Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said allies gathering Wednesday in Brussels would discuss the supply of military aid for Ukraine, including accelerating deliveries of key weapons such as air defense systems.
Umerov’s comments came ahead of the latest meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a collection of 50 nations that has coordinated supplies for Ukraine’s military since Russia’s 2022 invasion.
Umerov said Wednesday’s talks would also include investments in Ukraine’s defense industry and partnerships on projects with European partners.
British Defense Secretary John Healey is leading the meeting for the first time, after previous sessions headed by the U.S. defense chief.
“We will step up support for Ukraine, boost deterrence through NATO, and secure peace through strength,” Healey said on X.
New U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to address the meeting at NATO’s headquarters, a day before a gathering of NATO defense ministers where Hegseth has said he will push for allies to boost their defense spending.
“Our commitment is clear: NATO must be a stronger, more lethal force — not a diplomatic club. Time for allies to meet the moment,” Hegseth said Wednesday on X.
Ukraine will remain a focus on Friday, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Munich Security Conference.
Some information for this report was provided by Agence France-Presse and Reuters
