Zelenskyy orders review of defense agreements with partners
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expects a report from Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal and National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov on the audit of agreements with international partners and their implementation timelines. He announced this during the official introduction of Ukraine's new Defense Minister, Denys Shmyhal.
According to him, the audit will cover all key agreements — from the Danish model and coalition capabilities to bilateral agreements and joint projects for building weapons factories on the territory of partner countries.
"A clear execution timeline is needed. Together with the NSDC Secretary and the Minister of Foreign Affairs — intensify the work of our formats with partners," he stated.
Zelenskyy also emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation with partners within various formats, including the Ramstein format, known officially as the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG).
A ministerial-level meeting is scheduled for today to discuss further steps.
Earlier, it was reported that UK Defense Secretary John Healey is calling for a "50-day drive" in arms deliveries to Ukraine.
At the upcoming Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting of allies, he will emphasize the need for a significant increase in military support to force Russian President Vladimir Putin to come to the negotiating table.
Additionally, John Healey supports the initiative of US President Donald Trump to introduce very tough tariffs against Russia if it does not cease fire by September 2.
Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting
The UDCG brings together over 50 countries working jointly to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities amid Russian aggression.
US Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth will participate in the virtual meeting scheduled for July 21.
Ukraine's new Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal clarified that the UDCG meeting will be technical and coordination-focused.
