Ukraine's Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal declared 2025 the most productive year for Western military aid since Russia's full-scale invasion began, with partners on track to deliver $45 billion if all commitments are fulfilled.
Speaking at the 32nd Ramstein-format meeting on 16 December, Shmyhal outlined Ukraine's $120 billion defense needs for 2026 and proposed that partners allocate at least 0.25% of their GDP to Ukraine's defense—a benchmark the Baltic states have already embraced.
Germany leads with €11.5 billion commitmentBerlin's 2026 package dwarfs other individual contributions. Germany will provide €11.5 billion focused on air defense systems, drones, and artillery ammunition. New Patriot and IRIS-T systems have already been delivered to Ukraine.
Norway announced approximately $7 billion in total military assistance for 2026, including contributions to US air defense systems and the Czech ammunition initiative.
The Netherlands committed €700 million specifically for drones, with €400 million earmarked for Ukrainian-made systems—a direct investment in Ukraine's domestic defense industry.
Baltic states meet 0.25% GDP benchmarkEstonia, Latvia, and Lithuania announced they will each maintain support at or above 0.25% of GDP in 2026:
Estonia: €142 million plus a €9 million contribution to the IT Coalition
Latvia: €110 million focused on drones, electronic warfare, and PURL
Lithuania: Over €220 million including contributions to the Patriot program for Ukraine, the Czech ammunition initiative, and demining coalition
PURL becomes critical financing mechanismShmyhal emphasized that the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL)—the Europe-US cooperation framework—requires $15 billion in 2026. Multiple nations announced new PURL contributions:
Denmark committed to a new PURL contribution focused on aviation capabilities alongside its 29th support package worth €250 million. Luxembourg pledged €100 million for 2026 plus a second €15 million PURL contribution. New Zealand announced $15 million for PURL, while Montenegro is preparing contributions to both PURL and the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) fund.
Czech initiative secures 760,000 shells for 2026The Czech ammunition initiative—which has become a lifeline for Ukrainian artillery—announced that 760,000 artillery shells have already been funded for delivery in 2026. Portugal and Norway both committed additional contributions to expand the program.
Air defense remains top priorityBritain announced £600 million for Ukraine's air defense—its largest single-year investment—funded through frozen Russian assets, partner contributions, and the UK's own budget. Canada pledged an additional CAD 30 million for Ukrainian drones plus AIM-9 missiles and electro-optical sensors.
"Our mission is clear: support the fight today, secure peace tomorrow," UK Defense Secretary John Healey said, warning Moscow that "the contact group will only become stronger" if Putin continues the war into 2026.
What comes nextPartners have committed approximately $5 billion to Ukrainian defense production and another $5 billion for American weapons purchases in 2025—both records. Ukraine aims to maintain this momentum in 2026.
"To achieve peace, we must strengthen pressure on the aggressor, limit its resources, and expand Ukraine's defense capabilities," Shmyhal said.
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