Ukraine intensifies international defense cooperation: Rustem Umerov holds a series of meetings in Brussels

On April 10–11, 2025, Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Rustem Umerov, is on a working visit to Brussels, participating in key international events with defense ministers from partner countries and holding bilateral meetings with NATO and EU leadership.

Within the framework of the Coalition of the Willing meeting, participants discussed prospects for long-term support to Ukraine. The event advanced the dialogue initiated at the Paris summit of leaders, attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and expanded upon the agenda of the recent meeting of the chiefs of staff of Ukraine, France, and the United Kingdom in Kyiv.

“The Coalition of the Willing represents a new framework for long-term support to Ukraine and security in Europe, bringing together nations committed to working together for sustainable and lasting peace. It also marks a strategic step toward modernizing Europe’s security architecture, providing an adequate response to the persistent threat from russia,” said Minister of Defence of Ukraine Rustem Umerov.

Tomorrow, the next session of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group will convene in the “Ramstein” format. One of the key items on the meeting’s agenda will be enhancing Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.

“Ukraine requires a sufficient number of modern systems, like Patriot, to protect its cities and villages from russian ballistic threats,” emphasized Rustem Umerov.

Furthermore, emphasis will be placed on fostering industrial cooperation. The Ukrainian side is initiating the establishment of joint defense production facilities, which will enhance the national production base and provide sustainable support to the Ukrainian Defence Forces.