Evgeniy Khmara and Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius discuss air defence and support for Ukraine
Ukraine’s Minister of Defence Evgeniy Khmara spoke with Dutch Minister of Defence Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius. The parties discussed the next steps in supporting Ukraine and priorities for 2027.
Evgeniy Khmara thanked the Netherlands for its recent winter support package. Ukraine is already using this assistance to protect civilians and service members.
Strengthening air defence and countering russian ballistic missiles
One of the key topics of the conversation was strengthening air defence, in particular to counter russian ballistic missiles.
We are acting asymmetrically. We have already hit 12 launchers in russia. This is one of our ways of countering the enemy’s ballistic missile strikes. The Defence Forces are also striking russian enterprises that produce components for russian weapons. As a result, russia’s production capacity in this area is already shrinking.
At the same time, the Minister of Defence stressed that Ukraine’s need for interceptor missiles remains critical.
In this context, the ministers discussed the possibility of transferring missiles for Patriot systems to Ukraine from partners’ stocks in exchange for future deliveries already under contract.
Further strengthening Ukraine’s F-16 capabilities
Another priority for protecting Ukraine’s skies is further strengthening the capabilities of F-16 aircraft, which are an important element in protecting cities and people.
Evgeniy Khmara noted the Netherlands’ leadership in the Air Force Capability Coalition supporting Ukraine. The parties also discussed improving maintenance for Ukraine’s F-16s.
The ministers also agreed to coordinate efforts to develop joint ventures and increase supplies of high-quality equipment for Ukrainian warriors.
