Rustem Umerov: Ukraine is prepared to collaborate with Balkan countries in both technology and military training

Minister of Defence of Ukraine Rustem Umerov held an important meeting with the foreign ministers of nine Southeast European countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, North Macedonia, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey, Croatia, and Montenegro. 

Rustem Umerov expressed gratitude to the governments and peoples of Southeast European countries for their support.

The parties deliberated on the key challenges and urgent needs confronting Ukraine.

The discussions included a review of the results from the 25th Ramstein format meeting, a key platform for coordinating security strategy with Ukraine’s allies. Ukraine’s Defence Minister called on the delegations to actively participate in the activities of defense Coalitions to provide Ukraine with everything needed.

The Ukrainian side briefed on the security situation and the progress of operations in the Pokrovsk, Kursk, Kharkiv region, and the Black Sea.

In addition, the parties outlined the primary needs of the Defence Forces: strengthening air defense, scaling drone production, supplying long-range strike systems, and providing troops with modern equipment.

“In 2025, the capabilities of Ukraine’s defense industry could reach $35 billion. To achieve this, investments from our partners and the establishment of joint ventures are essential to fully unlock the potential of our defense industry,” the Minister of Defence of Ukraine noted.

Rustem Umerov further highlighted that Ukraine is prepared to strengthen cooperation with Balkan countries in defense technologies and military training.