Rustem Umerov: “Expanding military assistance and advancing production is the path to peace in Ukraine and Europe”

Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Rustem Umerov, addressed participants of the EU defence ministers' meeting in Warsaw, held under Poland’s presidency of the EU Council.

In his speech, the Minister of Defence of Ukraine expressed gratitude to European partners for their unwavering solidarity and comprehensive support for Ukraine over 11 years of resistance against russia’s armed aggression, including more than three years of full-scale invasion.

“Now, more than ever, we need to jointly strengthen Ukraine, increase pressure on russia, and coordinate our actions in the security sphere. We have a clear plan of action aimed at compelling russia to engage in real negotiations,” Rustem Umerov stated.

The Minister emphasized that Ukraine, together with its allies, is focused on three key objectives:

• Holding the front line;
• Protecting Ukrainian skies—establishing a robust air defense system to safeguard cities, the economy, and the military;
• Developing long-range capabilities to disrupt enemy logistics and destroy enemy offensive potential.

“More weapons for Ukraine means a shorter path to peace. We require support in critical areas: ammunition, long-range missiles, armored vehicles, aviation, and air defense systems,” underscored Rustem Umerov.

In his address, the Minister of Defence specifically highlighted the importance of advancing the defense industry. He noted that enhancing Ukraine’s defense industry capabilities contributes to the shared security of not only Ukraine but also the entire European continent.

“Ukraine is open to joint projects—whether through the ‘Danish model’ or other frameworks—and is prepared to invest in the defense industries of EU countries to achieve the strategic goal of fully integrating Ukraine’s industrial base into the European defense ecosystem. Expanding military assistance and fostering joint production is the path to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and across the continent,” concluded Rustem Umerov.