Fedorov urges partners to deliver interceptor missiles to Ukraine
Ukraine's Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated this at the start of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Brussels on February 12, according to Ukrinform.
"The most effective means of countering ballistic threats are PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems. We critically need ballistic interception capabilities because Russia wants to destroy our critical infrastructure this winter. I urge partners to urgently deliver PAC-3 missiles from their stocks to protect our energy infrastructure this winter," he said.
He also called on partners to increase contributions to the PURL program, which, according to him, works effectively and through which Ukraine also receives PAC-3 and other critical missiles.
"Air defense is a key priority for Ukraine. Another challenge in this domain is long-range drones. This year we will improve our system to counter Shahed drones and protect our cities. Organizational changes in air defense have already been implemented, key personnel decisions made, and the creation of a multi-layered 'short-range' air defense and interceptor system has begun," Fedorov explained.
He emphasized that President Volodymyr Zelensky has given the updated Ministry of Defense team a clear task to build a system capable of: "stopping the enemy in the sky, halting their advance on the ground, enhancing asymmetric and cyber strikes against the enemy and its economy."
"Make the cost of war for Russia unbearable," he stressed.
Fedorov also noted that the Ukrainian people desire peace more than anyone else.
"The diplomatic team, led by President Zelensky, works on this daily. We thank the United States, the European Union, and our partners for their support. The only one who does not want peace is Russia," Fedorov said, adding that Ukraine simultaneously needs to strengthen its defense to force the enemy toward peace.
"At the meeting, I will present our vision and specific defense goals for this year. I will outline concrete projects that we are already working on with partners and plan to fund. These include funding for drones and Ukrainian-made missiles, as well as the creation of drone-assault units," he said.
He also noted that partners today will announce new contributions to Ukraine's defense – "this is extremely important for supporting our military – providing drones, ammunition, and air defense systems."
At the same time, Fedorov emphasized that Ukraine came to the Contact Group meeting not only with needs but also with "solutions, experience, data, and a clear plan."
"We understand what we can provide NATO: data and defense solutions. Ukraine is ready to contribute to our shared security," he assured.
He also called on partners to increase sanctions pressure on Russia, restrict the activities of Russia's shadow fleet, and "stop all Russian tankers worldwide – only then will the enemy no longer be able to sustain this war."
Fedorov stressed that the decisions made in the Contact Group format determine "whether Ukrainian cities will be protected, whether civilians will survive, and whether peace will come closer or recede."
"Let us be flexible. Let us be creative, technological, and decisive," he urged.
As Ukrinform reported, today at NATO headquarters in Brussels, a meeting of NATO defense ministers and a Ukraine-NATO Council session took place, along with the ongoing Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting co-chaired by the United Kingdom and Germany.
Photo: Mykhailo Fedorov / Telegram
