Ukraine urges defense partners for billions, drones and air defense at high-level military summit
Photo: Ukraine's Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal (GettyImages)
Ukraine's Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal addressed partners with three key requests during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group — appeals that are critically important for the country amid the ongoing war with Russia.
"My first request concerns the urgent procurement of American weapons for Ukraine," Shmyhal stated.
He emphasized that air defense — particularly Patriot and PAC-3 missiles, as well as ammunition — is an absolute necessity. He noted that the night before the meeting, Ukraine faced another massive combined attack: 24 missiles, 426 drones, and combat UAVs targeted civilian infrastructure. As a result, there were again casualties among civilians.
Shmyhal stressed that Russian terror continues, which makes it vital to strengthen the air defense system. He urged the US to provide weapons for procurement and called on European partners to ensure the necessary funding for these purchases.
The second request was related to financial support.
"Ukraine needs $6 billion to close this year's procurement gap," Shmyhal explained.
According to him, this funding would allow for the production of more FPV drones and interceptor drones to counter Shahed attacks, as well as additional long-range strike weapons to inflict losses on Russia.
"Third — preparations for 2026. I urge our partners to already include funding for Ukraine in their 2026 budget proposals. Secure loans are another important source of funding for next year, and we must ensure that Ukrainians are included in this program," he said.
What is Ramstein group?
The Ukraine Defense Contact Group — better known as the Ramstein group — unites over 50 countries coordinating military aid for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
The initiative was launched by the United States, with the group's first meeting held on April 26, 2022, at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, which gave the format its name.
Through this platform, several decisions have been made to transfer advanced Western weapons to Ukraine. Thanks to these meetings, Ukraine's Armed Forces have received HIMARS rocket systems, Patriot air defense systems, Leopard 2 and Abrams tanks, and other military equipment.
The previous meeting took place on June 4 — notably, the first time a US representative was absent from the Contact Group.
Today's meeting is also significant as it marks the first time Denys Shmyhal is attending as Ukraine's Defense Minister, and Rustem Umerov is present as Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (RNBO).
