Ukraine has requested over €5 billion in additional military assistance this year to ramp up domestic weapons production, according to officials speaking at the latest meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG), also known as the Ramstein Group.
During a virtual session held on Monday, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal appealed to allied nations to provide immediate access to funding initially earmarked for 2026. According to Ukrainian news agency Interfax, the requested funds would be used to manufacture more remote-controlled drones, long-range weaponry, and unmanned intercept aircraft.
Service members of the 13th Operative Purpose Brigade ‘Khartiia’ of the National Guard of Ukraine check a Ukrainian-made Leleka reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle before its launch near a front line, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv region, Ukraine July 20, 2025. REUTERS/Serhii Korovainyi TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Urgent Needs Outlined by Military Leadership
General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Chief of Ukraine’s General Staff, also issued a direct appeal for expanded military support. He emphasized the country’s critical need for air defense systems and related missiles, long-range strike capabilities, artillery shells, armored vehicles, evacuation equipment, electronic warfare systems, radar installations, and various types of drones.
“We continue to urgently need air defense systems and associated missiles, long-range weapons, artillery shells, armored vehicles, evacuation equipment, electronic warfare systems, radars, unmanned aerial vehicles, and more,” said Syrskyi, stressing the importance of a collective effort to halt Russian attacks.
FILE PHOTO: Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy inspects newest samples of military equipment and weapons, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv region, Ukraine, April 13, 2024. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY./File Photo
The appeal was made during the 29th session of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which brought together representatives from 50 countries backing Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russian forces.
