Air defense, army funding: Ukraine outlines Ramstein priorities with NATO chief
Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara (photo: facebook.com/zelenskyy.official)
Ukraine and NATO have coordinated their priorities ahead of another meeting in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (Ramstein) format. The key topics were the delivery of air defense systems and additional funding for Ukraine's armed forces, according to a statement by Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara, made following a phone call with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Ramstein preparations, frontline needs
The defense minister said the main focus of the call was preparing for an effective Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, which is expected in the coming days.
The sides discussed Ukraine's most urgent needs to defend against Russian aggression in detail:
- Air defense systems: Accelerating the delivery of new systems and ammunition
- Funding: Securing additional resources for the needs of the Defense Forces
- Partner unity: Ensuring coordinated and rapid support across all critical areas.
"Ukraine is counting on the continued unity of partners and the swift decisions needed to protect lives and strengthen the front," Minister Khmara stressed.
Support via PURL program
The defense minister also thanked the Alliance and Mark Rutte personally for their effective support for the Ukrainian military, highlighting the special supply mechanisms.
"I'm grateful to NATO and personally to Secretary General Rutte for the effective assistance to Ukraine. In particular, for the PURL program, which helps ensure the delivery of critically important weapons," he said.
Ukraine aid talks
As recently reported, Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara held a phone call with his German counterpart Boris Pistorius.
During the conversation, the two sides discussed continued defense support for Ukraine, while Khmara spoke about the key threats facing the country, including jet-powered drones and ballistic missiles.
In addition, the defense minister emphasized the importance of effective management and oversight within the military.
He said the understanding of the war must reach every unit on the front, rather than remain solely at the level of senior leadership.
