Defense

Ukraine Latest: Weekly Digest for January 6-12, 2025

Pistorius on deploying foreign troops in Ukraine: all options being considered but not discussed

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius did not discuss the deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine during his visit to Kyiv, as this is a matter of negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and other countries.

Strengthening air defense, addressing glide bombs issue: Umerov meets with German counterpart Pistorius

At a meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine’s Minister of Defense, Rustem Umerov, and his German colleague Boris Pistorius discussed strengthening the countries' strategic partnership in protecting the sky over Ukraine.

Ukraine’s MoD calls on Ramstein nations to invest in Ukrainian defense industry

Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine for European Integration Serhiy Boiev has called on members of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (Ramstein format) to invest in Ukraine's defense-industrial complex.

Replacement of defective 120mm mortars underway – Smetanin

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has received 32,400 120mm mortars to replace 54,000 defective ones that were withdrawn. The manufacturer corrected all deficiencies at its own expense.

Europe must strengthen cooperation with Ukraine's defense industry – Pistorius

Europe should explore opportunities for providing long-term military support to Ukraine, including through cooperation with its defense industry.

Umerov hopes for increased assistance from UK

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov hopes for increased military, political, and economic assistance from Britain this year.

Germany hands Ukraine unique RCH 155 wheeled howitzer

Ukraine has become the first user of the new RCH 155 wheeled howitzer after Germany sent it their latest artillery system.

Expert on Waltz’s calls to lower draft age in Ukraine: Same kind of populism as in Biden’s team

Donald Trump's team, like Joe Biden's adminstration, is calling on Ukraine to lower the mobilization age to 18 in order to shift responsibility for the war onto Ukraine, believes Oleksandr Kraiev, an expert at the Ukrainian Prism Foreign Policy Council.

Russia conducts hybrid operations in Baltic Sea area on daily basis - Pistorius

Russian carries out hybrid attacks against Western nations in the Baltic Sea practically every day, and NATO will stand united to address the issue.

Government provides additional funding for 100 combat brigades in December — PM

In December 2024, the government provided additional funding for 100 combat brigades, allocating 25-27 million UAH for each. The process of additional financing for the brigades will continue in January.

Zelensky: Additional support packages worth $2B agreed at Ramstein

President Volodymyr Zelensky says during today's meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format, additional support packages worth $2 billion were approved.

Norway to provide over EUR 2B in military aid to Ukraine in 2025 - Umerov

Norway will provide the largest military aid package to Ukraine in its history this year as the volume will reach over EUR 2 billion.

Ramstein: Canada lays down over $300M in security aid to Ukraine

Canada will allocate CAD 440 million (nearly US$330 million) for military assistance to Ukraine.

Warsaw preparing another package of security aid for Kyiv

Poland is now preparing another package of defense assistance to Ukraine.

Norway slates over $60M to buy drones for Ukraine

Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram said during the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group on Thursday that his country has allocated 700 million Norwegian kroner (about $61.3 million) within a drone procurement initiative for Ukraine.

UK, other Allies to send 30,000 drones to Ukraine

The United Kingdom, together with other NATO member states, will send 30,000 FPV drones to Ukraine after the conclusion of contracts worth GBP 45 million by the international coalition Drone Capability Coalition co-led by the UK and Latvia.

Zelensky at Ramstein calls on partners to give Ukraine promised air defense systems

President Volodymyr Zelensky called on partner countries to complete deliveries of pledged air defense systems, and stressed the importance of licensed production of American air defense systems in Ukraine.

DM meets with Austin in framework of Ramstein

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov discussed key areas of cooperation with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin during a meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense in the Ramstein format.

MoD updates report on recruiting centers activity

In the past week, 717 Ukrainians turned to the Ukrainian Army recruiting centers across the country for consultations.

Germany to keep arms flowing into Ukraine under existing commitments – MoD

Germany will continue to provide Ukraine with security support in the form of military equipment and auxiliary materials within the framework of its commitments, including in the years to come.

US delegation arrives in Kyiv before Ramstein to discuss aid to Ukraine for 2025 with MoD

Deputy Minister of Defense for European Integration Serhiy Boyev discussed with the American side plans for security assistance for 2025 and cooperation in joint projects.

D-21 silent ground drone accepted for service with Ukraine’s Army

The Ministry of Defense has formally allowed the Army to use the Ukrainian-made D-21 logistical ground robotic system.

Rheinmetall to send Ukraine another 180K rounds for Gepards

Rheinmetall will deliver to Ukraine another 180,000 35-mm rounds for Gepard anti-aircraft self-propelled artillery systems.

Special Transport Service neutralizes 353 explosive objects in past week

Sappers from the State Special Transport Service of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry located and neutralized 353 explosive devices in the past week, from December 29 to January 5.

Protection from glide bombs, air raids - Zelensky on his agenda at upcoming Ramstein meeting

President Volodymyr Zelensky at the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at the Ramstein air base in Germany will talk to partners about protection from guided bombs and Russian air raids.

Denmark investigates drone sightings over seaport

Danish police have announced an investigation into the drones spotted over the seaport in the city of Køge amid growing tensions in the Baltic Sea area.

Ramstein participants to focus on coordinated support for Ukraine - Pentagon

Participants in the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format to be held next week will focus on how to ensure practical and coordinated steps to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities now and in the future.