On the sidelines of JEF, Denys Shmyhal discusses strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities with defence ministers of Finland, the Netherlands, Estonia, and Denmark

Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal held meetings with his counterparts from Finland, the Netherlands, Estonia, and Denmark on the sidelines of JEF. The discussions focused on enhancing Ukraine’s defence capabilities, with particular attention to air defence, the implementation of joint projects, and advancing efforts to confiscate russian assets.

During the meeting with Finland’s Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen, Ukraine’s Minister of Defence Denys Shmyhal expressed gratitude for Finland’s tangible support, its participation in the PURL initiative, and involvement in the Coalitions supporting Ukraine. Ukraine’s Defence Minister underscored that Ukraine stands ready to share its expertise in countering russian drones.

During the meeting with Netherlands Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans, Ukraine’s Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal discussed the prospects for joint drone production, notably interceptor drones.

Ukraine’s Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal also held a substantive meeting with Estonia’s Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur, where he thanked Estonia for its participation in the PURL initiative and for the decision to allocate €3 million for the procurement and support of Starlink satellite-communication systems. 

Ukraine also stands ready to take part in implementing projects within the framework of the SAFE programme, thereby contributing to the joint development of our defence industries,” stated Denys Shmyhal.  

The parties also paid particular attention to the training of Ukrainian service members within the framework of Operation Legio. 

During his meeting with Denmark’s Minister of Defence, Troels Lund Poulsen, Ukraine’s Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal noted the effectiveness of the ‘Danish model’ in funding the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Within the framework of this model, Ukraine has received €1.2 billion from Denmark this year, with an additional €500 million expected by the end of the year. The importance of continued financial support for Ukraine in the coming period was also discussed. Denys Shmyhal thanked his counterpart for the continued and enhanced efforts in this regard. 

Ukraine’s Defence Minister also thanked Denmark for participating in the initiative to train and equip the Nordic-Baltic Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. 

“I am sincerely grateful to our partners for their resolute support for the Ukrainian people in this war,” emphasised Denys Shmyhal.