36th Ramstein-format meeting: Ukraine calls on partners to increase funding for drones and air defense
Minister of Defence of Ukraine Evgeniy Khmara and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykhailo Drapatyi took part in a Ramstein-format meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group for the first time.
The Minister of Defence presented partners with the War Plan, which already guides the operations and development of the Defence Forces of Ukraine. At the same time, the Ukrainian side highlighted the key threats posed by russia and the critical needs for countering the enemy: additional funding for drones, stronger air defense, and swift decisions from partners before the start of winter.
Evgeniy Khmara also noted that Ukraine is signing contracts for the supply of around 1,000 missiles for Patriot systems, with support from partners and funding from an EU loan.
However, these future deliveries will take time, so Ukraine needs missiles from partners’ stockpiles now — before the start of winter.
The War Plan and the situation on the battlefield
Evgeniy Khmara thanked partners for their support for Ukraine — weapons, funding, technology, and the time they have helped Ukraine gain.
The Minister of Defence stressed that russia has failed to achieve strategic success on the battlefield. Ukraine has established a drone kill zone that halts the enemy’s advance and eliminates more than 30,000 russian troops every month.
At the same time, russia is trying to compensate for its failures on the battlefield through terror against Ukrainians.
The kremlin is also increasing its manpower. Ukraine estimates that russia plans to mobilize around 300,000 additional troops by the end of this year — in addition to contract recruitment — and another 300,000 in 2027.
russia is trying to turn the war into a contest of resources. But Ukraine will not fight by russian rules. Our response is smart thinking, technology, and speed.
The War Plan integrates combat operations, human capital, the defense industry, cooperation with partners, and a financial plan to ensure predictable production volumes for Ukraine’s defense industry.
Funding for drones
The Minister of Defence stressed that funding decisions are needed now.
In Ankara, partners pledged €70 billion in security assistance to Ukraine this year. At present, Ukraine sees €62 billion in support, including bilateral assistance and an EU loan. An additional €8 billion is needed to meet the commitments set out in the declaration.
A plan is only as good as the resources available to implement it. That is why we ask that the necessary funding decisions be made by November, so that we can see results on the battlefield as early as this winter.
He added that the overall defense funding gap stands at €23 billion, or $27 billion. These funds are needed to finance drones and ensure sustained supplies this year and early next year.
Strengthening air defense before winter
Another priority is decisions on air defense. Ukraine is asking partners to transfer missiles from their stockpiles now — in exchange for improved missiles to be delivered in the future under Ukrainian contracts.
Ukraine also stresses the importance of providing air-to-air missiles and man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) to counter cruise missiles and, as an interim measure, jet-powered Shahed drones.
Support for Ukraine is an investment in our shared security
Evgeniy Khmara stressed that support for Ukraine is not a subsidy, but an investment.
Ukraine offers its partners a win-win model that strengthens Ukraine and its partners alike. This includes joint defense projects, technologies, combat experience, and new capabilities that contribute to the security of the free world.