At the Ramstein-format meeting, Mykhailo Fedorov calls for tougher sanctions pressure on russia

At the opening of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting (Ramstein format), Mykhailo Fedorov addressed defence ministers, media, and partners.

First, he thanked each partner nation for solidarity with Ukraine and their resolute support.

Mykhailo Fedorov noted that the President has set a clear objective for the renewed Ministry of Defence team: to build a system capable of stopping the enemy in the air, halting enemy advances on the ground, and intensifying asymmetric strikes against the enemy and its economy — to make the cost of war for russia unsustainable.

“Our approach to the war is already delivering results — russian army losses are rising. Our goal is at least 50,000 confirmed enemy losses per month,” the Minister of Defence of Ukraine emphasised.

He stressed that in December the enemy forces sustained record losses, with 35,000 personnel killed or seriously wounded. All of these losses have been verified and documented with video evidence.

The Defence Minister also said that earlier today russia carried out one of its largest ballistic attacks on Ukraine, launching more than 24 missiles.

“The most effective counter to ballistic threats is PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems. We urgently need ballistic interception capabilities, as russia is seeking to destroy our critical infrastructure this winter,” Ukraine’s Defence Minister emphasised.

Mykhailo Fedorov called on partners to increase contributions to the PURL initiative, which enables Ukraine to receive PAC-3 and other critical interceptor missiles. He added that protecting the skies is a key priority set by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Defence Minister said that Ukraine is enhancing its system for countering Shahed drones and defending cities from long-range drone attacks. Organisational changes in air defence have already been implemented, alongside key personnel decisions. The rollout of a multi-layered lower-tier air defence and interceptor capability has also begun.

“Today, no one wants peace more than the people of Ukraine. Our diplomatic team, led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is working toward this every day. We are grateful to the United States, the European Union, and our partners for their support. russia is the only party that does not seek peace. Therefore, we must simultaneously strengthen our defence to force the enemy toward peace,” Mykhailo Fedorov said.

Ukraine’s Minister of Defence outlined a vision and specific defence objectives for this year. During the meeting, Mykhailo Fedorov will present 18 specific projects already being developed with partners and backed by funding. These include financing Ukrainian-made drones and missiles, as well as establishing drone assault military units.

“We have come to you not only with needs. We have come with solutions, experience, data, and a clear plan. We understand what we can offer our partners — data and defence solutions. We are ready to contribute to our shared security,” stated the Minister of Defence of Ukraine.

He called on all partners not only to support Ukraine, but also to significantly intensify sanctions pressure on russia. It is essential to curb the activities of russia’s “shadow fleet” and halt all russian tankers. Only then will russia no longer be able to sustain this war.