In Brussels, Denys Shmyhal discusses security support for Ukraine with international partners

During his visit to Brussels, Ukraine’s Minister of Defence Denys Shmyhal conducted a series of meetings with key security partners. 

In particular, the Minister of Defence of Ukraine held discussions with Sweden’s Minister of Defence, Pål Jonson. The parties had an in-depth discussion on further defence assistance, in particular the armaments to be included in Sweden’s next support package.

“We highly appreciate Sweden’s support and its contributions to the critically important PURL mechanism,” the Minister noted.

Another key topic was the potential transfer of Gripen aircraft to Ukraine. Denys Shmyhal reaffirmed that this remains a priority and that the teams of both sides remain in regular working contact.

During the meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, the parties focused on the situation at the front and Ukraine’s key defence needs.

The Minister underlined that strengthening air defence is a key requirement: “To deter russia’s missile and drone terror, additional systems, as well as the missiles for them, are needed. We also placed particular focus on the PURL initiative, which is critically important for ensuring stable supplies.”

 

Further steps for aligning Ukraine’s defence sector with NATO standards were also reviewed.

The Minister also held productive talks with Denmark’s Minister of Defence, Troels Lund Poulsen, during which they discussed key areas of cooperation, including in the defence industry.

Significant attention was given to the development of the “Danish model,” which facilitated the mobilisation of more than €1.5 billion in funding in 2025, and the parties discussed ways to continue this format of support for Ukraine’s defence industry.

The discussion also highlighted the role of the PURL initiative. 

“It is critically important for us to receive new packages that will include missiles for air defence. I thank Denmark for its support of this mechanism,” Denys Shmyhal emphasised.

The parties particularly addressed the development of partnerships between Ukrainian and Danish companies in the drone and missile production sectors.

 

The Minister also met with European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Valdis Dombrovskis, and discussed with him the financing of Ukraine’s defence needs for 2026–2027.

Denys Shmyhal emphasised the need to adopt a decision on a reparations loan backed by frozen russian assets.

The participants also addressed matters concerning Ukraine’s European integration.

During the meeting with the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, the parties discussed the implementation of the EDIP and SAFE instruments.

Denys Shmyhal expressed gratitude to the European side for its consistent support and emphasised the importance of these mechanisms: “We appreciate these European initiatives, which have the potential to reinforce the defence posture of Ukraine and EU member states. Ukraine stands ready to join key EU security initiatives and offers the integration of our solutions.”

A separate topic concerned the mechanism for reparations loans.

Denys Shmyhal also held a meeting with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. The sides discussed the implementation of joint defence initiatives aimed at strengthening Ukraine and Europe as a whole, in particular, Ukraine’s participation in SAFE projects.

 

Particular attention was devoted to the importance of using frozen russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine.

Denys Shmyhal emphasised that the European Union will continue to advance its defence cooperation with Ukraine.

“I expressed my gratitude for the productive discussion at the meeting of EU defence ministers, as well as for the EU’s continued leadership in supporting Ukraine. We value the EU’s readiness to reinforce long-term cooperation with Ukraine in the defence industry,” the Minister noted.

Denys Shmyhal also held a meeting with the US Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker. The Minister underlined that Ukraine highly appreciates the full scope of support delivered by the United States. 

The parties discussed ways to strengthen the defence partnership.