From January 1, 2026, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine will begin a new stage of defense procurement reform, where all procurements for the Defense Forces will be carried out by a single Defense Procurement Agency. This reform, which has been ongoing since 2023, has already shown effectiveness thanks to digitalization and the DOT-Chain system.
Ukraine has strengthened its air defense by receiving two more Patriot systems thanks to agreements with Germany. These systems are capable of destroying aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, including hypersonic ones, at a distance of up to 160 km and an altitude of up to 24 km.
Since PURL was launched in August, 24 countries have joined it, and the total amount of contributions is $4. 3 billion. This allows for the purchase of American weapons, including missiles for Patriots, and strengthening Ukraine's defense.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with US President Donald Trump the provision of missiles for air defense systems to Ukraine. Trump promised to help, and Ukraine is ready to purchase missiles through the PURL mechanism.
Ukraine's air defense forces have already received nine modern IRIS-T missile systems. These missiles are capable of rapid maneuvering, hitting targets on head-on courses and during pursuit, and distinguishing real targets from decoys.
Most of the 34 cruise missiles shot down during the night attack of the Russian Federation on December 23 were intercepted by F-16 aircraft. Three "Kinzhal" missiles did not reach their targets, although they were not intercepted by Patriot.
In 2026, the Armed Forces of Ukraine will receive 200 "Bohdana" self-propelled artillery systems based on German Mercedes-Benz Zetros chassis. 750 million euros have been allocated for the implementation of the program from Germany's support package of 1.2 billion euros.
The "Ramstein-32" meeting brought Ukraine record financial commitments for 2026, including 11. 5 billion euros from Germany and 7 billion dollars from Norway. Partner countries also transferred new Patriot and IRIS-T air defense systems, and allocated funds for drones, artillery, and ammunition.
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.
Germany has become the first European country to deploy the advanced Arrow air defense system. It is designed to intercept medium-range ballistic missiles, such as Russia's "Oreshnik," and will be deployed in three locations by 2030.
Ukraine aims to receive additional funding from Europe totaling approximately 1 billion euros or 1. 2 billion dollars by the end of the year. The funds are needed to ensure the uninterrupted acquisition of equipment through the PURL program, which finances the purchase of American weapons.
US President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Kyiv regarding the adoption of a peace plan, threatening to stop arms and intelligence supplies. POLITICO claims that Europe will not be able to fully replace American support, and Ukraine will face serious difficulties without US assistance.
European defense company stocks reached a nearly two-month low on November 24. This happened amid progress in negotiations on a US-backed peace plan for Ukraine.
Germany will transfer Skyranger 35 to the Ukrainian Armed Forces on a Leopard 1 tank chassis, which effectively counters drones and low-flying targets. The system creates a 4-kilometer "kill-box" and integrates into the overall air defense network.
Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren stated that the country's laws prohibit the transfer of military equipment to countries involved in armed conflict. He denied information about Chile's agreement to supply Germany with Marder 1A3 IFVs for further transfer to Ukraine.
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 U. S. Department of State has approved the sale of Patriot air defense system modernization services to Ukraine for $105 million. This will improve Ukraine's ability to counter threats and ensure its self-defense.
NATO Assistant Secretary General Boris Ruge stated that there is no single position within the Alliance regarding the possibility of shooting down Russian missiles and drones over Ukraine, even if they threaten allies. NATO is focused on protecting the airspace of member countries and supports Ukraine with air defense systems.
Boeing Co. plans to triple deliveries of Patriot missile seekers due to high demand for the air defense system. A 40,000-square-foot production facility has been built for this purpose.
During the night attack, Ukrainian air defense destroyed six out of nine ballistic missiles, including Iskander-M, Iskander-K, and KN-23, as well as over 400 Shahed attack drones. The attack caused destruction and resulted in the death of four people and injuries to 27 people in Kyiv.
The Budget Committee of the Bundestag approved the federal budget for 2026, increasing aid to Ukraine to 11. 5 billion euros. These funds are intended for artillery, drones, armored vehicles, and the replacement of Patriot missile systems.
President Zelenskyy reported the successful downing of 14 Russian missiles, including aeroballistic and ballistic ones, and the use of "long Neptunes" against Russian territory. Diplomats have been instructed to inform partners about Russian attacks on residential areas of Kyiv and energy facilities.
The German government plans to increase its defense support for Ukraine to over 11. 5 billion euros next year. The additional funds are earmarked for artillery, drones, armored vehicles, and the replacement of two Patriot air defense systems.
Ukraine intends to order 27 Patriot air defense systems from American manufacturers. President Zelenskyy noted that European states could also temporarily transfer their systems.
Russians have started using jet gliders on Soviet-era aerial bombs to hit targets far behind the front lines, putting additional strain on Ukraine's air defense. Some of them are equipped with a jet engine, increasing their flight range to 200 km.
Germany intends to increase financial aid to Ukraine by approximately 3 billion euros next year. This will cover artillery, drones, armored vehicles, and the replacement of two Patriot air defense systems.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto announced the 12th package of military aid for Ukraine, which will be presented in the near future. Italy has already provided 11 aid packages worth up to 3 billion euros, including SAMP/T systems.
The President of Ukraine met with representatives of NATO member countries, thanking them for military support and calling for strengthening joint efforts. Further military assistance, protection of the energy system, and increased sanctions pressure on Russia were discussed.
Germany is reclaiming its role as a military leader in Europe, having lifted financial restrictions on its defense sector. Berlin is investing hundreds of billions of pounds in state-of-the-art tanks, artillery, fighter jets, and warships.
Ukrainian air defense has been strengthened with Patriot systems, made possible by Germany's support. President Zelenskyy thanked Chancellor Friedrich Merz for the joint step in protection against Russian terror.
