Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov met with the foreign ministers of nine Southeastern European countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, North Macedonia, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey, Croatia, and Montenegro.
Rustem Umerov thanked the governments and peoples of the Southeastern European states for their support. The parties discussed the main challenges and needs facing Ukraine.
In particular, they reviewed the results of the 25th meeting of the Ramstein format, which remains key for coordinating security strategy with our allies. The head of Ukraine's Ministry of Defense urged the delegations to actively engage in the work of defense coalitions to ensure Ukraine receives everything it needs.
The Ukrainian side provided information on the security situation and the progress of operations in the Pokrovsk, Kursk, Kharkiv regions, and the Black Sea.
Additionally, the parties outlined the main needs of the Armed Forces: enhancing air defense, scaling up drone production, supplying long-range strike systems, and providing the military with modern equipment.
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"In 2025, the capabilities of Ukraine's defense industry could reach $35 billion. For this, investments from partners and the creation of joint ventures are important to fully unlock the potential of our defense industry," noted the Ukrainian defense minister.
Rustem Umerov also emphasized that Ukraine is ready to expand cooperation with the Balkan countries in the fields of defense technologies and military training.
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