Denys Shmyhal holds official meetings in Luxembourg: military assistance, IT cooperation, and sanctions against the aggressor in focus

In Luxembourg, Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, discussed the priority needs of Ukraine, military assistance, IT cooperation, and sanctions against the aggressor with government officials and parliamentarians.

During the meeting with Luxembourg’s Minister of Defence Yuriko Backes, he emphasised the importance of Luxembourg’s support and the country’s role in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG). 

Ukraine’s Minister of Defence expressed particular gratitude for the new military assistance package announced during the Ramstein meeting. It includes tactical vehicles, drones, and night-vision devices. 

“I am grateful for your leadership in the IT Coalition, which supports the deployment of digital solutions on the battlefield, and for Luxembourg’s willingness to join the PURL initiative, which is vital for procuring American weapons to strengthen Ukraine’s defence,” said Denys Shmyhal.

He briefed Yuriko Backes on the priority needs both on the battlefield and for the protection of critical infrastructure. Ukraine’s Minister of Defence invited Luxembourg to take part in industrial and technological cooperation projects, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and space.

Another important topic of the talks was the rehabilitation of Ukrainian prisoners of war. Luxembourg stands ready to strengthen its support within NATO projects and through direct cooperation with Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence.

Denys Shmyhal also met with Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade & Minister for Cooperation, Xavier Bettel. The discussion focused on mechanisms for providing financial support to Ukraine.

The next meeting took place at the Luxembourg Chamber of Deputies with President Claude Wiseler and parliamentarians. The parties discussed the possibility of using frozen assets of the russian federation.

“The aggressor must pay for waging this war. We count on identifying opportunities to use these assets, as well as on strengthening sanctions pressure on russia,” emphasised the Minister of Defence of Ukraine.

In conclusion, Ukraine’s Minister of Defence expressed gratitude to Luxembourg for its active stance since the onset of the full-scale invasion and for its consistent financial and political support of Ukraine.