People's Deputy Yehor Cherniev stated that mobilization efforts in Ukraine are not being fulfilled 100%, and there are not enough people to form reserves, although there are enough to replenish losses. Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets reported an increase in complaints regarding human rights violations during mobilization by the TCC.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal visited Luxembourg, where he held talks on military aid, financial support, and strengthening sanctions against Russia. A new package of military assistance was agreed upon, including tactical vehicles, drones, and night vision devices.
At the meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense, agreements were reached on new contributions totaling at least $422 million to the PURL initiative. Also, $715 million was declared for procurement from the Ukrainian industry and additional military assistance from allies.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced that 17 NATO member countries have joined the PURL program, which allows the supply of American weapons to Ukraine. Initially, there were six countries, but after a meeting with Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, their number increased to 17.
Ukraine and Germany are strengthening cooperation in the defense industry. The agreement creates a framework for expanding bilateral cooperation in the field of defense industry, technology, and innovation.
Ukraine, together with nine Scandinavian and Baltic countries, is launching an initiative to train and equip Ukrainian military personnel. The program provides for the training of units, the supply of weapons, and the strengthening of defense cooperation.
Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that Ukraine has hit 20% of oil refineries on Russian territory using its own drones. This has led to a shortage of gas and gasoline at their gas stations, and such operations will continue.
Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal called on partners to invest 0. 25% of GDP in Ukraine's defense to cover $60 billion out of the $120 billion needed for military purposes. An alternative is a loan secured by frozen Russian assets to finance the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Minister of Defense Denys Shmyhal stated that the Defense Forces need more drones to hold the front line. Ukraine will be able to produce up to 10 million drones by 2026 if partners provide the necessary funding.
Minister of Defense Denys Shmyhal emphasized Ukraine's need for additional air defense systems and guided missiles during the meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense. This is due to the continuation of Russia's air terror, which in September launched more than 5,600 attack drones and 180 missiles.
The European Commission is discussing the use of frozen Russian assets to create a reparations loan for Ukraine. This will be a continuation of the EU's macro-financial assistance, which was discussed at a meeting between Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal and European commissioners.
The Ukrainian government has launched an experimental mechanism for transferring Ministry of Defense technologies into serial production. This will accelerate the supply of proven equipment to the front and expand the range of weaponry.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal discussed strengthening the security of Ukraine and Europe with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas. They coordinated Ukraine's priority financial needs for the next year.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine allocated UAH 36. 6 billion for the needs of the Ministry of Defense for programs to develop the defense industry complex and procure weapons. An additional UAH 500 million was allocated to support Ukrainian arms manufacturers.
The third International Defense Industries Forum DFNC³ has concluded in Kyiv, gathering around 2,000 participants from over 20 countries. A number of intergovernmental and business agreements were signed at the forum, opening new opportunities for Ukrainian manufacturers.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal met with the newly appointed German Ambassador Heiko Thoms. They discussed financing drone production, strengthening air defense, and cooperation in the defense industry.
Ukraine and Denmark have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on joint defense production. This involves technology exchange, attracting EU funding, and strengthening the defense capabilities of both countries.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and Prime Minister of the Netherlands Dick Schoof familiarized themselves with the work of a leading Ukrainian manufacturer of unmanned systems. The enterprise serially produces FPV copters and aircraft-type kamikaze drones, having its own design bureau and R&D laboratory with European partners.
Slovakia will transfer five Bozena vehicles and other demining equipment to Ukraine. An agreement has been signed for the gratuitous transfer of engineering, construction, transport, and medical equipment.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine is scaling up the military marketplace DOT-Chain Defence, connecting 130 brigades to it. An additional UAH 1.5 billion has been allocated for the purchase of drones and electronic warfare systems, which will allow units to receive the necessary weapons faster.
Combat medics will be able to get jobs in civilian medicine and acquire new medical specialties through a simplified procedure. The government has identified the development of reintegration programs for combat medics as one of the goals of the Action Program for 2025.
The Ukrainian government has defined the procedure for sending military personnel from the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the National Guard to the NATO-Ukraine Joint Training and Education Centre (JATEC) in the Polish city of Bydgoszcz. This will allow for the activation of work and the acquisition of full operational capabilities in Ukraine-NATO interaction.
Minister of Defense Denys Shmyhal met with mine manufacturers and discussed air defense for defense industry enterprises. The military needs a large number of mines to deter the enemy, and the ministry will facilitate scaling up production.
Since the beginning of the full-scale war, demining units of the Security and Defense Forces have neutralized over 1 million explosive objects. In 2024, 38 km² have been demined, and this year – almost 150 km².
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that Russia is starting a new stage of escalation and hybrid warfare against the transatlantic community. He noted that the integration of the Ukrainian air defense system into a single European system should become a decisive step to strengthen security.
President Zelenskyy proposed to Poland and its partners to create a joint shield against Russian air threats, citing Ukraine's experience. He also noted that Russia could have used tankers in the Baltic Sea to launch drones.
Ukraine is increasing the production and contracting of UAVs, including interceptor drones, according to National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov. Next week, a technology Staff meeting will be held to scale up Ukrainian drone programs.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov stated the need to increase the share of contract soldiers in the army among citizens aged 18-24. This was discussed at the Staff of the Commander-in-Chief, where the expansion of contract service opportunities was also considered.
President Zelenskyy heard a report on reconnaissance drones entering Ukrainian airspace from Hungarian territory. He ordered all available data to be checked and an immediate report on each recorded fact.
Poland plans to change its legislation to allow its military to act independently against Russian drones over Ukraine, removing bureaucratic restrictions from 2022. A Ministry of Defense bill, submitted in June, would allow drones to be shot down without NATO and EU approval.
