Ukraine's Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov held a series of meetings with high-ranking European Union officials in Brussels to discuss issues related to financing Ukraine's defense and deepening cooperation in the continent's security sector.
During a meeting with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, the parties discussed a new EU initiative that will help attract additional resources for supplying ammunition and missiles to air defense systems and for training and equipping Ukrainian military personnel.
The defense minister also expressed readiness to establish joint ventures with leading defense companies both in Ukraine and in the EU.
In a meeting with the European Commissioner for Defense and Space, Andrius Kubilius, the parties discussed European security, where Ukraine plays a key role. Rustem Umerov emphasized the importance of initiatives that will provide funding for the Ukrainian army and the procurement of defense products.
Special attention was paid to the need to increase the pace of production of armored vehicles, shells, and other types of military equipment by European defense companies. According to the minister, the European Defense Industrial Program can be an important step in this direction—it opens new opportunities for purchasing and producing armaments together with European partners.
"Ukraine is ready for deeper integration in the field of defense cooperation and joint weapons production," emphasized Rustem Umerov.
The Minister of Defense also thanked the partners and the European Union for their steadfast position, support, and constructive dialogue.
