Ukraine’s key allies pledged €21 billion in new military support during a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) at NATO headquarters on Friday, marking the largest single commitment since Russia’s invasion began.
The UDCG, once led solely by the U.S. but now co-chaired by Germany and the U.K., includes 51 nations and partners. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius called the funding a “record boost” for Ukraine’s defense efforts, with Berlin committing €11 billion through 2029. The U.K. also announced its largest annual contribution yet—£4.5 billion for 2024.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov thanked European allies for “taking the lead” in security assistance but warned that Russia is “ramping up [military] production,” including launching over 10,000 glide bombs since March and 100 attack drones daily. “Air defense remains a critical challenge,” Pistorius acknowledged, adding that allies are “doing as much as we can as fast as we can.”
U.S. Role in Question as Europe Assumes Greater Responsibility
The summit, hosted jointly by Germany and the U.K., marked a shift in leadership after the U.S. stepped back from leading the UDCG following Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Though U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth joined virtually, Pistorius emphasized that Europe must “take on more responsibility” alongside the U.K.
Trump has vowed to broker a swift end to the war, but Russia has rejected a proposed temporary ceasefire, instead intensifying attacks as part of a broader spring offensive. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff traveled to Moscow on Friday, though it remains unclear if he will meet President Vladimir Putin.
Umerov expressed hope for progress on ceasefire talks, while U.K. Defence Secretary John Healey accused Putin of “dragging his feet” while continuing strikes on civilian and military targets. Healey also outlined plans by a “coalition of willing” allies—excluding the U.S.—to provide air and maritime support while bolstering Ukraine’s own forces to maintain “peace on the ground.”
New Aid Packages Target Drones, Air Defense, and Artillery
The U.K. detailed £450 million in additional support, including £350 million from Britain and contributions from Norway. The package covers drone production, anti-tank mines, radar systems, and maintenance for previously supplied equipment.
Germany’s pledge includes 100,000 artillery rounds, 300 reconnaissance drones, armored vehicles, and advanced air defense systems like IRIS-T. “We need a militarily strong Ukraine,” Pistorius said, though he cautioned that peace remains “out of reach in the immediate future.”