Germany intends to continue supporting Ukraine's defense capabilities. This was agreed upon by Ukrainian Defense Minister Hennadii Khmar and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius during a phone call, as reported by RBC-Ukraine citing the Ministry of Defense. During the conversation, both sides confirmed their commitment to deepening military and industrial cooperation against the backdrop of ongoing Russian strikes on Ukrainian territory.
Conversation Against the Backdrop of "Air Terror"
The head of Ukraine's military department thanked Berlin for its vital support and leadership in coordinating the efforts of other international partners. Khmar informed Pistorius about the intensification of Russian air terror, noting that the key threats to the population and infrastructure remain jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicles and ballistic missiles. According to the minister, it is precisely these categories of weapons that require the most rapid response from air defense systems.
Asymmetric Defense and Air Defense Priority
Ukraine, as Khmar noted, is shaping its own defense plan and is already carrying out asymmetric actions that yield practical results. At the same time, the fastest possible strengthening of protection against Russian strikes remains the top priority. In this context, support from Germany and other allies is seen as a factor that helps maintain the balance amid ongoing pressure on the country's rear areas.
Financing and Resource Audit
The ministers separately discussed the financing of defense needs. Ukraine's Ministry of Defense is conducting an audit of available resources and human capital within the defense forces. At the same time, according to Kyiv's assessment, financial support from partners remains critically important for the sustainability of the country's defense capability. This indicates that Ukraine's own efforts are complemented, rather than replaced, by external contributions.
Joint Defense Industry
Another priority was the development of a joint defense industry, with a focus on increasing the production of Ukrainian solutions and closer cooperation between the defense-industrial complexes of Ukraine and Germany. This approach is aimed at creating sustainable production chains and increasing the share of domestic developments in the armed forces' arsenal.
Preparation for the "Ramstein" Format
The ministers also prepared for a meeting in the "Ramstein" format, which will take place next week. The meeting will serve as a platform for synchronizing the positions of Ukraine and its partners on issues of deliveries, training, and industrial cooperation. It is worth noting that Germany is one of Ukraine's key military partners: in the summer, Berlin allocated an additional $400 million in military aid, with the funds directed toward air defense systems, ammunition, and missiles for Patriot systems.
