Ukraine’s defense priorities discussed at Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting
Photo: Denys Shmyhal (t.me/Denys_Smyhal)
The year 2025 has set a record for the volume of international aid to Ukraine. However, it is necessary to ensure stable and predictable support for Ukraine’s defense in 2026, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal made this statement during the 32nd meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
According to him, if all commitments are fulfilled, the total support will reach $45 billion — the highest figure since the start of the full-scale war.
Shmyhal informed partners that Ukraine’s total defense needs for 2026 amount to $120 billion. The state is prepared to cover half of this sum with its own resources, while the remaining $60 billion must be sourced from international partners.
Among the key priorities, the minister highlighted stable defense funding, the development of air defense to protect civilians, support for Ukrainian drone production and effective weapon systems, as well as the supply of ammunition, including long-range munitions.
Shmyhal also emphasized the importance of continued funding for the PURL mechanism — one of the main tools of cooperation between Europe and the US. Ukraine’s total PURL needs for 2026 amount to $15 billion.
"Ukraine remains committed to restoring peace. However, to achieve it, we must increase pressure on the aggressor, limit their resources, and expand Ukraine’s defense capabilities," Shmyhal said.
Ukraine Defense Contact Group
The Ukraine Defense Contact Group was established in April 2022 to coordinate military assistance in response to Russian aggression.
More than 50 countries have joined the initiative, including NATO and European Union members, as well as partners from other regions of the world. Within this format, regular meetings are held to discuss the needs of the Ukrainian armed forces, the progress of combat operations, and to coordinate the delivery of weapons, military equipment, and other critical resources.
According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, as of September this year, the total aid provided by allies exceeded $145 billion. Thanks to this support, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have received modern air defense systems, F-16 fighter jets, tanks, armored vehicles, artillery ammunition, and other resources necessary to counter the Russian invasion.
In 2025, the Ukraine Defense Contact Group continues to operate actively. However, meetings are now co-chaired by the United Kingdom and Germany, rather than the United States, as was the case under President Joe Biden.
On November 14, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal announced the preparation of the next Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, which took place today.
