Umerov: Support for allies must be faster, more effective
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov took part in a video conference with the defense ministers of Germany, France, Italy, Great Britain and Poland, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry press service said.
"Together with colleagues, we examined the urgent needs of the Defense Forces, as well as priority areas of assistance to Ukraine. We expect that our partners will take the initiative in equipping our brigades and battalions. There is successful experience of cooperation with France, which provided training for one of the Ukrainian brigades, and also provided it with armored vehicles," Umerov said following the conversation.
Another area of support, according to the minister, is strengthening the Ukrainian air defense on the eve of winter.
"The enemy does not abandon attempts to destroy our critical infrastructure, so we demand more air defense systems and ammunition for them," he said.
In addition, he said Ukraine is already developing the potential of its domestic defense industry together with its allies.
"We invite the countries of the free world to transfer technologies to us and start strategic partnerships with our industry," the minister said.
He briefed the partners about the industries in which Ukraine sees significant opportunities for cooperation: the production of 155-mm ammunition, localization of the production of air defense systems and missiles in Ukraine, as well as partnership for the development of Ukrainian air defense systems, localization of the production of heavy armored vehicles and artillery systems, partnership in the field of defense technologies, such as autonomous systems, electronic warfare, radars.
"At the same time, we plan to conduct an audit of the assistance provided in 2022, 2023 and 2024 with our allies. We need to determine which models of support for Ukraine worked better and scale them up. Ukraine is also open to new initiatives that will help quickly meet the needs of our soldiers in 2025," Umerov said.
"Support from allies will become faster and more effective. Ukraine's defenders must be provided with everything necessary to put an end to Russian aggression," he said.
