Air defence, long-range munitions and drones: Ukraine coordinates priorities with allies ahead of the Ramstein-format meeting

Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov, held a call with Germany’s Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius, the UK Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, and NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte.

The parties discussed Ukraine’s key requirements ahead of the next Ramstein-format meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, scheduled for June.

The main objective is to maximise the effectiveness of support by focusing on priorities that reinforce the Defence Forces of Ukraine and respond to the actual needs of the front line.

Strengthening air defence

Particular attention was given during the discussion to air defence.

This is critically important as russia continues to intensify its aerial attacks. During its most recent large-scale attack, russia launched more than 30 ballistic missiles in a single night.

Unable to achieve success on the battlefield, russia is increasing its attacks against cities and critical infrastructure. For this reason, strengthening air defence and counter-ballistic capabilities remains one of Ukraine’s top priorities.

Key requirements ahead of the next Ramstein-format meeting

Ukraine is seeking partner support in three priority areas:

• Additional contributions to the PURL (Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List) mechanism and the procurement of PAC-3 missiles through JUMPSTART;
• supplying extended-range artillery ammunition under the ‘Czech Initiative’;
• funding the production of Ukrainian drones.

Mykhailo Fedorov stressed that, for Ukraine, it is crucial that international assistance be as effective as possible and precisely tailored to the needs of Ukrainian warriors.

Alongside international support mechanisms, bilateral assistance from partner nations remains critically important.

This is essential for implementing Ukraine’s defence strategy, strengthening the Defence Forces, and maintaining an advantage across the key domains of warfare.