Ukraine outlines key needs of the Defence Forces to partners at the OFDeF conference

Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine for European Integration Sergiy Boyev participated in the Operational Force Development Framework (OFDeF) conference, an important international platform for coordinating international defense support for Ukraine.

The event was also attended by senior officials and representatives of the defense ministries and military leadership of partner countries. Overall, the conference brought together around 100 generals from NATO member states and Gulf countries. 

Ukraine’s key priorities for 2026

Sergiy Boyev briefed partners on the war plan and current challenges and outlined the key needs of the Defence Forces of Ukraine. He identified the following key priorities for 2026:

• air defense;drones;long-range artillery.

The discussion also specifically addressed the need to accelerate decision-making and weapons deliveries. According to the Deputy Minister of Defence, the timely provision of air defense systems will show whether Ukraine emerges from this winter stronger or weaker.

Advancing Ukraine’s defense industry

The development of Ukraine’s defense industry was an important topic at the conference. Ukraine is interested in expanding cooperation with international partners, attracting investment, and establishing joint production, particularly in the areas of unmanned systems, ammunition, and other modern strike assets.

The Ukrainian delegation’s participation in OFDeF helps coordinate defense support, facilitate the exchange of practical experience, and develop common approaches to building the capabilities of the Defence Forces of Ukraine. For Ukraine, it is important that international support matches the actual needs of the front and delivers results within the required timeframe.

The Ministry of Defence previously reported that Ukraine and the EU are working to speed up funding for critical needs of the Defence Forces.