This is reported by Kyiv24
Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal held a phone conversation with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. During the discussion, Shmyhal highlighted Germany’s significant contribution to supporting Ukraine, particularly within the framework of international defense coalitions and aid packages. The parties paid special attention to the outcomes of the recent meeting in the “Ramstein” format and preparations for future negotiations regarding defense support.
Key Defense Needs and Response to Russian Strikes
During the conversation, the Defense Minister emphasized the urgent needs of Ukraine’s Defense Forces by the end of the year and informed his German counterpart about new Russian shelling of Ukrainian cities and civilian casualties. According to Shmyhal, Ukraine requires enhanced air defense, and he expressed gratitude to Germany for its support in supplying Patriot systems.
“I spoke about the urgent needs of Ukraine’s Defense Forces by the end of the year. I also informed the minister about the latest Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and the people killed by the Russians last night,” Shmyhal stated.
Support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and Strategic Cooperation with the Bundeswehr
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi also had a phone conversation with the Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, General Carsten Breuer. Syrskyi informed the German general about the situation at the front, emphasizing the need to strengthen the protection of cities and critical infrastructure from Russian air attacks. The parties discussed the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for air defense systems of various ranges, missiles, and radars.
Syrskyi thanked Germany for its significant assistance in equipping the Ukrainian military with armored vehicles, artillery, developing integrated air defense, and training personnel. He specifically noted the importance of Germany’s participation in financing defense programs of Ukrainian manufacturers, emphasizing that foreign investment in Ukraine’s defense sector is a key element of international support.
So far, there have been no official comments from the German side regarding these negotiations.
Let us remind you that on July 21, during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the “Ramstein” format, the defense ministers of Germany and the United Kingdom, Boris Pistorius and John Healey, presented a joint plan to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense.