Ukraine's Minister of Defence Yevhenii Khmara addressed representatives of the defence ministries of the E5 countries — Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Poland and Italy. The key priorities are strengthening air defence capabilities immediately and securing timely funding for the production of Ukrainian unmanned systems.
The meeting was also attended by European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska.
Yevhenii Khmara emphasised that Ukraine needs decisions that will strengthen its defences immediately while also enabling it to plan its defence capabilities for 2027.
Interceptor missiles from existing stockpiles
The first critical priority is air defence.
Ukraine already has contracts for future deliveries of interceptor missiles and is proposing an exchange mechanism to its partners: transferring some missiles from existing stockpiles now in exchange for future deliveries that Ukraine is due to receive at a later date.
The Minister called on partners to consider transferring 10% of their existing stockpiles of relevant interceptor missiles, including missiles for Patriot and IRIS-T systems, which Ukraine is procuring using an EU loan. Such a decision would rapidly strengthen the protection of Ukrainian cities and set an example for other partners.
Yevhenii Khmara also highlighted the critical need for man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) to counter jet-powered drones. Ukraine is seeking both funding for new purchases and transfers of systems from its partners' existing stockpiles.
Funding for drone production in 2027
The second priority is unmanned systems.
Ukrainian manufacturers have the capacity to double drone production in 2027. Achieving this will require timely funding.
"We propose not simply increasing procurement but scaling up joint production of Ukrainian drones in other countries. This will allow us to expand production and supply Ukraine with the drones it needs. It will also strengthen the defence capabilities of our partners," said Yevhenii Khmara, Minister of Defence of Ukraine
The Minister stressed that support for 2027 must be planned now. It should reflect the real needs of the war, in which unmanned systems continue to play an increasingly important role.
He emphasised that Ukraine seeks a just and lasting peace. Achieving peace requires strength, readiness to defend itself and timely decisions. The objective is to ensure that Ukraine has the weapons it needs when they are needed.
