Ramstein-18: Ukraine Needs Innovations and Technical Progress for Breakthrough in War

A breakthrough in the war with Russia requires innovation and significant technological progress, which is why in 2024 defence technologies will play a main role in the Ukrainian Defence Ministry’s agenda.

This was noted by Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov, who heads the Ukrainian delegation at an online meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, Ukrinform reports with reference to the ministry’s press service.

“Sufficient supplies of equipment and ammunition, maintenance and spare parts are critical to success. But breakthroughs require innovation and significant technological progress. That is why in 2024, defence technologies will play a central role in the agenda of the Ministry of Defence," Umerov emphasized.

In his speech, he also expressed gratitude to all countries that support the Defence Forces, in particular in the development of coalition capabilities, and emphasized that it is now critical to increase long-term packages of military aid to Ukraine. The Ministry of Defence, for its part, is ready to co-invest in technology and joint production, share combat experience, and facilitate the conclusion of long-term contracts with interested companies.

As noted, the Ukrainian delegation also included Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, First Deputy Minister of Defence Lieutenant General Oleksandr Pavliuk, Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Serhiy Shaptala, Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence, Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, and other officials.

As reported earlier, U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday officially opened the meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, which this month is being held in the format of a video conference. The meeting focuses on Ukraine’s long-term defence needs.