Ukraine urges allies at Ramstein to fund drones, long-range weapons
global.espreso.tv
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 20:49:00 +0300

Denys Shmyhal announced this on Telegram.During his speech at the 31st meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Ramstein, the Defense Minister outlined three key areas of assistance for partners.The first priority is the PURL initiative. Shmyhal stressed that "the PURL Action Plan for 2025 must be fully implemented" and called for constant coordination and funding for timely deliveries. He estimated that the PURL needs for 2025 will amount to between $12 billion and $20 billion.The second is Ukrainian drones and missiles. The Minister identified FPV, ISR, and other platforms as critically important for holding the front line and reported an immediate financial need of over $4 billion."In 2026, we will be able to build up to 10 million drones if our partners provide the necessary funding," he noted, adding that deep strike drones and missiles allow for an asymmetric response to Russian attacks.The third area is increasing strike range. Denys Shmyhal called for concentrating efforts on supplying long-range artillery shells and supported the initiative for joint procurement of ammunition. He separately emphasized the urgent need for interceptors and air defense systems (NASAMS, IRIS-T), as well as for equipping and training on F-16 aircraft.Another important emphasis was on financing. Ukraine is counting on the support of its allies to cover $60 billion in defense needs—half of its planned expenditures. Denys Shmyhal stressed that "the optimal path is for European partners to allocate at least 0.25% of their GDP to military aid for Ukraine," as well as leveraging loans backed by frozen Russian assets.On October 13, Slovenia officially joined the PURL initiative, which involves the procurement of American weaponry for Ukraine funded by NATO allies.
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