Defense Minister Rustem Umerov started his work in Brussels at a meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine’s Defense in the Ramstein format.
According to Ukrinform, Umerov posted this on Facebook.
“I am starting work at a meeting of the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group (UDCG) in the Ramstein format in Brussels,” Umerov said.
According to him, this is an important stage in strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities and coordinating further actions of the allies.
“Today, for the first time, the meeting is chaired by my colleague and friend John Healey, Secretary of State for Defense of the United Kingdom. The new U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hagel is also participating,” informed Umerov.
The Minister of Defense announced the agenda of the meeting. The agenda includes stable and timely supply of military assistance in 2025, accelerating the supply of critical weapons such as air defense, aviation, and ammunition, as well as investments in the defense industry in Ukraine and joint projects with European partners.
According to Umerov, not only current needs but also long-term solutions will be discussed. In particular, the expansion of defense production in Ukraine, financing of the Ukrainian defense industry and the creation of new enterprises, and increasing the volume of arms supplies at the expense of the European defense industry.
According to Umerov, in addition to Ramstein, key events for the security of Ukraine and the whole world will take place this week: a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council at the level of defense ministers and the Munich Security Conference.
In addition, Umerov will hold a series of bilateral meetings with allied defense ministers. The main goal, he emphasized, is to strengthen military cooperation and provide real mechanisms to support Ukraine.
“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,” the Defense Minister said.
As reported, the meetings of the Contact Group on Ukraine (Ramstein format) were launched at the initiative of the United States to coordinate international efforts to provide military assistance to Ukraine to combat Russian aggression. This forum unites the efforts of more than 50 countries, including NATO Allies.
Photo for illustrative purposes: facebook.com/rustemumerov.ua
