Denys Shmyhal and NATO Secretary General discuss defense cooperation between Ukraine and the Alliance
Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Kyiv.
“We held a substantive and constructive dialogue on defense cooperation between Ukraine and the Alliance. I highly commend Mark Rutte’s leadership in launching Alliance initiatives to support Ukraine. In particular, approximately USD 1.5 billion in military assistance has already been mobilized under the PURL mechanism, developed jointly with NATO and the United States,” said Denys Shmyhal.
According to the Minister of Defence, in this context, it is essential to continue meaningful cooperation within the Coalition of the Willing.
The parties discussed preparations for the next Ramstein-format meeting, the future enhancement of NATO's role, and coordination on financing the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the development of the defense industry.
“Our priorities are clear: achieving NATO standards, integrating into global supply chains, and deploying innovations and battle-proven technologies. I thank NATO and the Secretary General for their strong and steadfast support of Ukraine. Together, we are building a peaceful and secure future for the next generation,” the Defence Minister emphasized.
In addition, Denys Shmyhal and the NATO Secretary General visited one of Ukraine’s largest drone manufacturing enterprises.
This enterprise regularly fulfills government contracts, supplying drones to units of the Defence Forces of Ukraine. Notwithstanding the security threats of full-scale war, the enterprise continues to develop and implement innovative approaches to expanding production, the Minister of Defence noted.
“Ukraine possesses unique expertise in battlefield innovations and industrial production, and is prepared to share it with NATO partners. We count on the Alliance to maintain support for Ukraine’s defense industry and invest in our shared security,” summarized Denys Shmyhal.
