Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov emphasized the importance of joint actions to compel Russia to negotiate during his speech at the meeting of the defense ministers of European Union countries. He noted that the country has a “clear action plan” aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
This is reported by Kyiv24
“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 action plan aimed at compelling Russia to engage in real negotiations,” the minister stated.
Umerov highlighted three key objectives facing Ukraine and its allies:
- maintaining the frontline;
- creating a “powerful air defense system for the security of cities, the economy, and the army”;
- developing long-range capabilities to strike logistical targets and destroy Russia’s offensive potential.
Additionally, he stressed that increasing arms supplies to Ukraine could accelerate the achievement of peace. Umerov pointed out the main areas where Ukrainian forces need support: ammunition, long-range missiles, armored vehicles, aviation, and air defense systems.
The minister also paid special attention to the issue of the defense industry, stating: “We are open to joint projects – both under the ‘Danish model’ and in other formats. Ukraine is also ready to invest in the defense industries of EU countries. Our strategic goal is the full integration of the Ukrainian industrial base into the European defense ecosystem.”
The EU defense ministers’ meeting is taking place in Warsaw as part of Poland’s presidency in the EU, where participants plan to discuss the rearmament of Europe, as well as the continued support for Ukraine and the “role of the European Union in ensuring a just and lasting peace”.