Ukraine needs over €5 billion in additional military support this year to step up production of drones and long-range weapons, Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Monday at an online meeting of the Ukrainian Contact Group, organised by Germany and the UK.
Shmyhal also urged European countries to purchase more US weapons, following the recent announcement by the US Government that it would supply defence systems such as the Patriot if Europe bears the costs.
According to Interfax-Ukraine, the Ukrainian Defence Minister further requested the allies, about 50 of which attended the meeting, to provide financial support for the year 2026.
Army Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi echoed the call for further military aid, highlighting critical shortages in air defence systems, missiles, long-range rockets, artillery shells, evacuation equipment, electronic warfare systems, radars, and drones. He stressed that only collective efforts could counter the Russian aggression.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced at the meeting’s onset that Germany aims to provide Ukraine with additional Patriot systems, donating two existing ones to be replaced later by new ones from the US. Norway may also contribute a system.
Pistorius also mentioned that “together with our British friends,” Germany will supply 220,000 rounds of 35mm ammunition for the Gepard air defence system, funded by Germany.
British Defence Minister John Healey urged the allies to launch a “50-day campaign” to rearm Ukraine in preparation for potential negotiations with Russia.
This was a reference to the ultimatum from US President Donald Trump to Russia, threatening 100% import tariffs if a ceasefire agreement is not reached in Ukraine within 50 days.
