Zelensky outlines results of Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky outlined the main results of a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (also known as the Ramstein format) held on Wednesday (15 April). 

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte pledged that Alliance member states will provide Ukraine with US$60 billion in military support over the course of 2026. This is in addition to the funds that the Ukrainian armed forces will receive from the €90 billion EU loan, if and when it is unblocked. 

President Zelensky on X:

"[Our] partners at Ramstein noted Ukraine's strong positions on the battlefield – I am grateful for this recognition to each of our combat brigades. There is also a clear understanding of our needs in air defence and in joint weapons production. The main thing is that every commitment announced is fully and timely fulfilled. When the provision of our defence is sufficient, Russia has no real possibility of achieving its occupation goals.”

Zelenskyy said a decision on new contributions to the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) programme from five partners has been confirmed.

Zelensky thanked Germany for continuing work with Ukraine on air defence and long-range capabilities, and the UK for continued efforts to supply drones. 

Zelenskyy added that Norway is to allocate over US$500 million to equip Ukrainian brigades with drones, as well as US$150 million to strengthen Ukraine's logistics.

The Netherlands will provide over €200 million for drones.

He said Belgium will allocate additional funds towards the supply of shells and strengthening Ukraine's air defence.

Zelenskyy also thanked Lithuania and Estonia for their contributions to the PURL programme.

Source: commonspace.eu with the Ukrainska Pravda

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