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Priority defence needs and additional funding: Evgeniy Khmara addresses EU defence ministers

Evgeniy Khmara seated at a table with a microphone, with official flags in the background
Evgeniy Khmara outlined the security situation in Ukraine, the battlefield situation, and new threats from the enemy

Minister of Defence of Ukraine Evgeniy Khmara took part in a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (Defence), attended by defence ministers of EU member states.

The Minister outlined the security situation in Ukraine and the battlefield situation, as well as new challenges and threats posed by the enemy.

russia’s goal has not changed – to subjugate all of Ukraine. To stop the war, putin must understand that he can lose. To achieve this, we need strength.
Evgeniy KhmaraMinister of Defence of Ukraine

The Minister of Defence stressed that Ukraine is repelling the aggressor on the battlefield. At the same time, Ukraine has several priority needs to strengthen its defence capabilities.

Participants in an EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting of EU defence ministers seated around a large round table
For countering ballistic threats, Ukraine’s request remains unchanged – Patriot missiles

Solutions to counter jet-powered Shahed drones, the need for Patriot missiles, and other needs

Ukraine is seeking low-cost and effective solutions to counter jet-powered Shahed drones. According to the Minister of Defence, such targets are already being shot down, including with interceptor missiles. Ukrainian manufacturers are also offering their own solutions, which are showing positive results, but it will take time to build an effective system to counter these threats.

Evgeniy Khmara called on the EU to help finance this area so enough interceptors can reach the Defence Forces of Ukraine as quickly as possible.

The Minister also stressed to partners the importance of providing Ukraine with air-to-air missiles, man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS), and munitions for F-16s.

Evgeniy Khmara noted that Ukraine’s request for countering ballistic threats remains unchanged: Patriot missiles. The Minister of Defence asked EU member states to provide some missiles from their own stocks in exchange for missiles that Ukraine is due to receive later under existing contracts.

Participants in an EU Council meeting seated at tables in a conference room, with Evgeniy Khmara appearing by video link on a large screen above them
Solutions to counter jet-powered Shahed drones are already delivering positive results

Funding Ukraine’s additional defence needs

Around one-third of Ukraine’s $27 billion in additional defence needs consists of advance payments for drone deliveries in early 2027.

The Minister called for EU loan funds scheduled for 2027 to be brought forward to 2026, for the remaining SAFE funds to be used for procurement for Ukraine, and for additional funding to be provided through bilateral assistance.

The funds are needed this autumn to give manufacturers enough time to procure components and produce the drones on schedule. This is particularly important given the mobilisation the enemy is already planning.
Evgeniy KhmaraMinister of Defence of Ukraine

Importantly, Ukraine will cover service remuneration for the military and other payments from its own resources. This amounts to $7 billion. The Government is already implementing comprehensive savings and reallocations across all non-defence expenditures in the State Budget.

Kaja Kallas taking notes during an EU Council meeting, with Evgeniy Khmara appearing by video link on a monitor in front of her
Ukraine’s Minister of Defence called for EU loan funds scheduled for 2027 to be brought forward to 2026

Evgeniy Khmara thanked the European Union for every decision to support Ukraine and for the tangible assistance it has provided. In particular, he thanked the EU for its recent decisions, including a €3 billion disbursement under the EU loan and approval of procurement schedules worth €3 billion covering Patriot missiles and other critical items.

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