Five European Nations and Ukraine to Establish Joint Defence Enterprises
The defence ministers of Poland, Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom discussed the establishment of joint ventures in the defence sector in Warsaw with the participation of Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umerov via remote mode.
This was announced during a press conference of defence ministers in Helenów near Warsaw by Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysh.
He noted that Ukraine now needs support from European countries.
‘We are aware of the war fatigue in our societies, but especially in Ukrainian society. And these enormous efforts that Ukrainians have been making for over 1,000 days, fighting for their freedom and security in Europe, must continue,’ the Vice Prime Minister said.
During a videoconference with Minister Umerov, the European ministers reaffirmed their allied support for Ukraine and their determination to provide assistance, training for the Ukrainian military, etc.
‘But the main point in the talks with Minister Umerov was the development of production capacities between Europe and Ukraine, between our companies, the countries represented here and Ukrainian companies,’ Kosiniak-Kamysh said.
This includes the creation of joint ventures, the development of production facilities in European countries, and the development of joint initiatives with Ukraine.
‘Such opportunities exist today and they have not been used. This could be a huge support for Ukraine at war,’ the Polish Deputy Prime Minister said.
Kosiniak-Kamysh also noted that all the ministers present at the meeting expressed interest in continuing the quarterly meetings in the Ramstein format led by the United States and stressed that there can be no talks about Ukraine without Ukraine.
In turn, the UK Ministry of Defence published a Joint Statement by a group of five Defence Ministers from France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the UK on 13 January 2025. We reiterate our unwavering support for Ukraine's right to self-defence in order to counter Russia's aggression and to achieve a just and lasting peace, in accordance with international law, for as long as necessary, the text reads in part.