The international delegation, headed by Ana Lucía Bueno, ICRC Public Health Coordinator, and Sujit Panda, Head of the Physical Rehabilitation…
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov called on partners to increase contributions to the PURL program, through which Ukraine receives interceptor missiles.
He wrote this on February 12.
Before the Ramstein meeting, Mykhailo Fedorov addressed defense ministers, the media, and partners, thanking everyone for their solidarity with Ukraine and decisive support.
“For our renewed Ministry of Defence team, the President has set a clear mission — to build a system capable of stopping the enemy in the sky, halting its advance on land, strengthening asymmetric strikes on the enemy and its economy. To make the cost of war for Russia unbearable”, — the minister wrote.
According to him, Russian army losses are increasing. In December, Russia suffered record losses — 35,000 soldiers killed and severely wounded. All these losses are verified and have video confirmation. The goal is to reach at least 50,000 confirmed enemy losses per month.
He added that today Russia carried out one of the largest ballistic attacks on Ukraine — more than 24 missiles were launched. The most effective counter to ballistic missiles is PAC-3 interceptor missiles for the Patriot system.
“We critically need means to intercept ballistic missiles because Russia wants to destroy our critical infrastructure this winter. That is why I call on partners to increase contributions to the PURL program, through which we receive PAC-3 and other critical interceptors”, — he emphasized.
Air defense protection is a key priority.
“This year we will improve the system for countering Shaheds and protecting our cities from long-range drone attacks. Organizational changes in air defense have already been implemented, key personnel decisions made. The creation of a multi-layered ‘small’ air defense and interceptor system has been launched”, — Fedorov said.
He noted that to protect the sky, it is necessary to continue and expand funding for the PURL program. Interceptors are critically needed, as Russia wants to destroy Ukrainian critical infrastructure this winter.
“Today, the Ukrainian people desire peace like no one else. The diplomatic team led by President Zelensky works on this daily. We thank the US, the EU, and partners who help us. The only one who does not want peace is Russia”, — he wrote.
At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen defense to force the enemy into peace.
At the meeting, Mykhailo Fedorov will present Ukraine’s vision and specific defense goals for this year. He will present 18 specific projects Ukraine is already working on with partners and for which funding will be sought. Among them — financing Ukrainian-made drones and missiles, as well as creating drone-assault units.
According to him, today Ukrainian partners will announce new contributions to Ukraine’s defense. This is extremely important for supporting the military — providing drones, ammunition, air defense systems.
“We have come to you not only with needs. We have come with solutions, experience, data, and a clear plan. We understand what we can give partners — data and defense solutions. We are ready to contribute to our collective security. Today we appeal to all partners not only to support Ukraine but also to significantly strengthen sanctions pressure on Russia”, — he emphasized.
It is important to limit the activities of Russia’s “shadow fleet” and stop all Russian tankers. Only in this way will Russia be unable to continue this war.
“The decisions made here matter. They determine whether Ukrainian cities will be protected, whether civilians will survive, and whether peace will become closer or more distant. After Ramstein, we expect strong contributions from partners”, — he concluded.
