The Minister of Defense heard a report on the construction of fortifications in six regions. 2,130 platoon strongholds and over 3,000 km of anti-tank ditches have already been built.
In the Zaporizhzhia direction, 255 km of non-explosive barrier strips, 340 km of anti-tank ditches, and over 2. 1 km of the "Egoza" barrier line have been built. Major General Oleksandr Yakovets reported to Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal on the high pace of fortification construction.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has started testing the digital system "Property" for accounting for military property in units. This will simplify the work of supply services and allow for faster and more transparent resource management.
The Ukrainian government has approved a package of Ministry of Defense decisions to launch the Defence City space from January 5, 2026. This will provide comprehensive state support to Ukrainian arms manufacturers for scaling up, modernizing production, and generating innovations.
Germany has completed the transfer of two Patriot air defense systems and the ninth IRIS-T system to Ukraine, strengthening the protection of the Ukrainian sky. The total amount of German aid to Ukraine next year will reach 11.5 billion euros, which is a new record.
Today, the 32nd meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense in the "Ramstein" format will take place. Minister of Defense Denys Shmyhal will inform the allies about the situation on the battlefield and Ukraine's needs.
The Ministry of Defense plans to allocate 12 billion hryvnias for the purchase of drones and other military equipment through the electronic marketplace DOT-Chain Defence in the first quarter of 2026. Currently, 186 combat brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as the Azov and Khartia corps brigades, have access to the system.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that it is easier to liquidate the Office of the President than to appoint its head, referring to the large number of proposals and exchanges of views. He noted that the war is much more important than this issue.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is considering Denys Shmyhal and Mykhailo Fedorov as the main candidates for the position of Head of the Presidential Office. However, according to him, the Verkhovna Rada may have difficulties finding replacements for these ministers.
In 2026, the security and defense sector will receive UAH 2. 8 trillion, of which UAH 1.4 trillion will go to military personnel's monetary allowance. The government assures that payments to military personnel will be made in full without delays.
The Ministry of Defense has allocated an additional UAH 2. 1 billion for the procurement of drones and equipment for the Armed Forces brigades through the DOT-Chain Defense marketplace. In total, almost UAH 6.3 billion has been allocated for these procurements, ensuring fast deliveries without bureaucracy.
President Zelenskyy discussed personnel reshuffle in the energy sector with Prime Minister Svyrydenko. Today, the powers of some supervisory board members of state energy companies are being terminated, and new members will be appointed in December.
The defense ministers of the European Union countries discussed further support for Ukraine and European defense, emphasizing the critical importance of making a decision on multi-year funding for Kyiv.
Ukraine and Norway have signed a document on joint production of Ukrainian drones, which will allow scaling up the capabilities of the Ukrainian defense industry. The pilot production line is planned to be deployed in 2026.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the need to change basic documents on Ukraine's defense, including the country's defense plan. He agreed with Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal on preparing detailed proposals for government approval.
Ukraine and Great Britain have signed a licensing agreement for the Ukrainian Octopus interceptor drone. Mass production of interceptors is planned, which will be transferred to Ukraine to strengthen its air defense.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine transferred 1. 5 hectares of land to Lviv for the Memorial Complex of Military Burials of the Heroes of Ukraine. This decision creates a legal basis for the implementation of the project to honor the Defenders.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine received the first 100,000 FPV drones for the Armed Forces through the DOT-Chain Defence platform. The average delivery time for FPV drones is only 7 days, and units independently choose models from 40 manufacturing companies.
According to Denys Shmyhal, these drones will allow Ukrainian military personnel to more effectively counter Russian drones.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal met with US Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll in Kyiv, discussing defense innovations and the implementation of agreements. Ukraine is grateful to the US for approving the sale of a support package for the Patriot air defense system worth $105 million.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved an experimental procedure that allows enterprises to be involved in forming air defense groups. Operators of critical infrastructure and enterprises with the necessary resources can join the project.
The Cabinet of Ministers has established academic scholarships in memory of the defenders who died for Ukraine. The amount of scholarships for cadets, students, and adjuncts of military universities will be up to 10,000 hryvnias.
The Ukrainian defense industry has presented 370 new ammunition models, 250 of which are designed for unmanned systems. This was made possible by deregulation and the involvement of 76 new manufacturers in fulfilling state contracts.
Ukraine is launching mass production of the Octopus interceptor drone to combat Iranian "Shaheds. " The technology has been transferred to three manufacturers, with eleven more preparing for launch.
The next meeting of the Contact Group is scheduled for December 3. Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasized Ukraine's need for additional air defense systems and guided missiles.
Air Defense Coordination Centers, similar to the one in Kharkiv, will be established in Chernihiv, Poltava, and Zaporizhzhia regions. This will strengthen the Ukrainian air defense shield for effective counteraction to Russian terror.
The President of Ukraine approved the appointment of Yuriy Cherevashenko as the commander of unmanned air defense systems. Minister of Defense Denys Shmyhal has already signed the relevant order.
Denys Shmyhal and Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Sandvik signed memorandums on unified quality standards for defense products and the creation of a joint defense enterprise. Norway will allocate $7 billion for Ukraine's defense needs next year.
The Ministry of Defense is preparing new types of contracts for servicemen for a period of 1 to 5 years. They provide for increased payments, bonuses, and an expanded social package.
Defense ministers from ten Joint Expeditionary Force countries will meet in Norway. This is the first JEF meeting with the participation of Ukraine's defense minister and the first above the Arctic Circle.
