United to win: E5 defense ministers discuss Ukraine’s 2025 defense priorities

On January 13, the defense ministers of the E5 countries—Poland, Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom—met, during which the heads of defense agencies discussed Ukraine's key defense priorities for 2025.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported that.

"This is a new association of states that have the largest defense budgets among European countries and work together to strengthen European security and support for Ukraine," the head of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine said.

The group plays a leading role in defense coalitions in support of the Ukrainian army — armored vehicles (Germany and Poland), artillery (France), air and missile defense (France and Germany), drones, and maritime security (Great Britain).

During the meeting, the parties discussed the key priorities of Ukraine's defense in 2025:

• Weapons for the front: artillery shells, long-range weapons, Western armored vehicles.
• Strengthening air defense: new air defense systems and ammunition to counter Russian missiles and drones.
• Development of the defense industry: In 2025, Ukraine plans a record production of weapons for $35 billion, of which $17 billion will be financed by the Ukrainian government. Allies can provide the rest of the funds.

The Ukrainian Minister of Defense noted that the approval of the defense coalition roadmaps until 2027 was an important achievement. This shows that Europe is ready to plan its support for Ukraine for years to come.

"The defense ministers confirmed that military assistance to Ukraine will continue because it is an investment in peace and stability on our continent. Bold decisions, unity, and strategic vision of our allies bring us closer to victory," Rustem Umerov emphasized.