Ukraine defence minister speaks with Germany's Pistorius about support

Ukraine and its Western allies plan to discuss further military aid at an upcoming Ukraine Contact Group meeting, with a focus on addressing Russian air strikes and a shortage of defensive missiles.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Khmara informed German Defence Minister Pistorius about intensified Russian attacks and emphasized the importance of financial support from partners to ensure Ukraine's stability.

The Ramstein group, last meeting in June, saw Germany committing to deliver defense systems and engage in joint production of ground-based robotic systems to aid Ukraine in repelling the ongoing Russian invasion.

Ukraine and its Western allies plan to discuss further military aid at another Ukraine Contact Group meeting next week, Ukrainian Defence Minister Evgeniy Khmara said after calling German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius on Saturday.

Khmara did not specify a date for the meeting in the Ramstein format. He said he informed Pistorius about the intensified Russian air strikes using drones and ballistic missiles and Kiev's shortage of defensive missiles.

Ukraine has been calling for months for its Western allies to honour their commitments to supply defensive missiles.

Both sides also discussed joint projects in the defence industry, said Khmara.

Protection against Russian attacks is a priority, the minister said. Furthermore, financial support from partners remains crucial for Ukraine's stability.

Ukraine's defence budget has a shortfall running into the billions because funds earmarked for the second half of the year have already been used primarily for drone attacks on Russia. Now, official data shows a lack of funds needed to finance the military.

The Ramstein group last met on June 18 at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, at a gathering co-chaired by Britain and Germany. According to Ukrainian sources, following the meeting, Pistorius announced the delivery of a three-digit number of defence systems from German stocks to Ukraine, plus the joint production of ground-based robotic systems.

Aided by the West, Ukraine has been trying to repel a full-scale Russian invasion launched in February 2022.