BRUSSELS
Ukraine on Wednesday called on its international partners next year to allocate at least 0.25% of their GDP to military support for Ukraine, as the country continues to defend itself with the fourth anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war approaching.
Speaking at a Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting convened by the UK and Germany at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal said his country's defense needs for 2026 are estimated at $120 billion, half of which will be covered by its own national resources.
"We are asking partners to join us in covering the other half. The most efficient, effective path to meet this need is for our European and non-European partners to dedicate no less than 0.25% of their GDP to military support for Ukraine," he said.
Shmyhal said that if partners are unable to meet the $60 billion target, "the only remaining solution is a loan backed by frozen Russian assets so it can be used to fund Ukraine's armed forces and their requirements."
"We also need to combine our deep strike drones with deep strike missiles from our partners. And I urge about this, and we ask for this type of support. As Russia's air terror continues, we also urgently need additional interceptors this winter,” he added.
UK Defense Secretary John Healey said London has delivered over 85,000 drones to Ukraine in the past six months, with a new industrial partnership set to mass-produce improved interceptor drones for Kyiv.
"This year, the UK is spending the highest-ever level on military aid to Ukraine," Healey said, adding that the contact group has secured pledges worth over £50 billion ($66 billion) in military aid since the UK and Germany jointly took over its leadership eight months ago.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte underlined the group's critical role, describing the contact group as "the backbone of our collective support for Ukraine."
"Together with Ukraine, the UK, Germany, and with your support, we will make the (contact group) more effective at delivering what Ukraine needs," Rutte said, noting that NATO allies have committed to boosting both their defense spending and support for Kyiv.
The meeting brought together defense chiefs and senior officials from more than 50 countries to coordinate continued military assistance to Ukraine.