Just days into his role, Denys Shmyhal faces a double crisis: securing billions in Western aid while Russia signals its refusal to peace with a fresh wave of strikes.
As the US Defense Secretary misses Ramstein, Ukraine and its European partners strike a game-changing pact: not just weapons, but weapons factories—on Ukrainian soil.
The announcement comes as President Zelenskyy urgently requests 10 Patriot systems from Ramstein allies following Russia's deadliest attack on Ukrainian children.
After securing €21 billion in new military aid at Brussels meeting, Ukraine proposes hosting the next Ramstein format gathering to connect international partners directly with Ukrainian forces and defense manufacturers.
Defense Minister Pistorius announces a comprehensive security package including crucial air defense systems and the formation of a specialized electronic warfare coalition aimed at countering Russia's battlefield advantages in signal jamming and drone operations.
European allies express growing concerns about American isolationism as Hegseth's absence marks the first time in 26 sessions that the Ukraine Defense Contact Group will convene without US defense leadership.
Germany and UK assume joint leadership of the 50-nation Ukraine Defense Contact Group as US halts military aid, highlighting growing transatlantic divisions over Ukraine's future and NATO membership prospects.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unveiled the Trump administration's vision for ending the war in Ukraine, explicitly rejecting previously stated goals of NATO membership and territorial restoration.
Over 50 defense ministers gather in Brussels next week amid uncertainty over American military support for Ukraine, while Britain steps into Washington's traditional leadership role.