Umerov: E5 defense ministers confirm military assistance to Ukraine will continue
The Defense Ministers of Poland, Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom met in Warsaw on Monday to discuss European security issues in a new five-sided format; Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov took part in the meeting.
"A meeting of the defense ministers of the E5 countries took place – Poland, Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom. This is a new association of states that have the largest defense budgets among European countries and are working together to strengthen European security and support for Ukraine," Umerov said in Telegram on Monday.
He said the E5 plays a key role in important defense coalitions: armored vehicles – Germany, Poland; artillery – France; air defense/missile defense – France, Germany; drones and maritime security – the United Kingdom.
Umerov said he had joined a meeting of ministers where they discussed key priorities for Ukraine's defense in 2025.
Namely, weapons for the front (artillery shells, long-range weapons, Western armored vehicles), strengthening air defense (new air defense systems and ammunition to counter Russian missiles and drones), as well as the development of the defense industry (in 2025, Ukraine plans a record production of weapons worth $35 billion, of which $17 billion will be financed by the Ukrainian government. The rest of the funds can be provided by allies).
"An important achievement was the approval of the Roadmaps for defense coalitions until 2027. This is a clear signal that Europe is ready to plan its support for Ukraine for years to come," Umerov said.
"The defense ministers confirmed that military assistance to Ukraine will continue, because this is an investment in peace and stability on our continent," he said.
"Bold decisions, unity and strategic vision of our allies are what brings us closer to victory," the Ukrainian Minister of Defense said.