Today, on February 12, Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov started his work at the meeting of the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group (UDCG) in the Ramstein format in Brussels. Umerov noted that this stage is important for strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities and coordinating further actions of the allies.
This was reported by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
For the first time, the meeting was chaired by the UK Secretary of State for Defense John Healey. The new US Secretary of Defense Pete Hagel is also participating.
On the agenda:
- Stable and timely supply of military assistance to Ukraine in 2025;
- accelerating the supply of critical weapons – air defense, aircraft, ammunition;
- investments in the defense industry in Ukraine and joint projects with European partners.
According to Umerov, not only current needs will be discussed, but also long-term solutions to
- expansion of defense production in Ukraine;
- financing of the Ukrainian defense industry and creation of new enterprises;
- increasing the volume of arms supplies at the expense of the European defense industry.
In addition to the Ramstein, this week’s events will include a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council at the level of defense ministers and the Munich Security Conference. Umerov announced that bilateral meetings with allied defense ministers are planned.
“Ukraine is ready for negotiations to end the war. But a just and lasting peace is possible only when Ukraine is strong on the battlefield,” Umerov summarized.