European countries with the largest defense budgets name Russia their main security threat and pledge continued support for Ukraine

Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara addressed defense officials from the E5 group, consisting of Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Poland, and Italy. Khmara suggested that these nations transfer 10% of their current stocks of interceptor missiles, specifically for Patriot and IRIS-T systems, to Ukraine. In return, Ukraine would provide future deliveries, already contracted and financed through a European Union loan, to replenish those missiles.

Khmara also proposed the establishment of joint drone production within the territories of these allied nations, according to a Ukrainian Ministry of Defense report. Khmara emphasized that Ukraine needs immediate solutions to bolster its defenses while planning for long-term defense strategies up to 2027. The minister highlighted air defense strengthening as the top priority, suggesting that an immediate exchange of existing allied missile stocks for future deliveries under Ukraine's current contracts would rapidly protect Ukrainian cities and serve as a model for other nations.

Ukraine urgently needs man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) to counter Russian jet-powered drones, seeking transfers from partners' inventories and funding for new acquisitions. In terms of drone development, Khmara noted that Ukrainian enterprises could double drone production by 2027 with timely funding. Khmara stressed that Ukraine seeks a just and lasting peace, which requires strength, readiness to defend the nation, and timely provision of necessary weaponry to its armed forces.