Urgent Support Needed for Ukraine: A Call to Action
Despite all peace initiatives, the Kremlin continues to escalate tensions and attack Ukraine, harming innocent civilians. This is why Ukraine urgently needs assistance from international partners, including additional deliveries of 10 Patriot systems and other air defense assets.
This was stated by Ukraine's Minister of Defense, Denis Shmyhal, during his speech at the beginning of the 30th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in London.
«We still need to receive an additional 10 Patriot systems, missiles for Patriot systems, SAMP/T, NASAMS, IRIS-T, and Hawk. This is urgent as Russia plans further strikes on our energy systems and infrastructure,» emphasized the defense chief.
He expressed gratitude to Germany for supplying Ukraine with two PAC-3 Patriot systems and for all the support Ukraine receives from Germany and other international partners. He stressed that continued assistance is necessary as the Kremlin dismisses any proposals for a ceasefire, continuing to strike at civilian populations and initiating a «winter terror» by attacking energy facilities in Ukraine.
«While we consider peace negotiations and security guarantees, the Kremlin rejects any ceasefire proposals and continues escalation. Last Saturday, Russia killed another Ukrainian child and civilians during the largest combined attack against Ukraine. A new record was set - 810 drones, 13 ballistic and cruise missiles. Just hours ago, Putin struck the village of Yarova in the Donetsk region, targeting a group of pensioners who had come to collect their pensions, killing over 20 people. Yesterday, Russia initiated winter terror, destroying the largest thermal power station in the Kyiv region, directing 49 drones against it. Our response must be firm and strong,» highlighted the Minister of Defense.
He noted that Ukraine needs a clear schedule for regular financing and arms supplies, including $6 billion for drone production and interceptors, to protect the economy and civilian population, including FPV drones to maintain the front line and continue deep strikes and pressure on defense production and military facilities in Russia.
Shmyhal stated that Ukraine will continue to fully finance its defense budget but needs the support and involvement of partners. The defense chief noted that allocating $60 billion within the defense budgets of partner countries for 2026 will help ensure reliable protection for Europe and Ukraine.
«Sanctions and the confiscation of frozen Russian assets must be intensified to reduce Russia's resources for this war. Only together can we win, and only together can we ensure peace in Europe,» emphasized Shmyhal.
Reminder: Today, September 9, the 30th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the «Ramstein» format is taking place in London, with representatives from about 50 countries participating.
