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Ukraine, Belgium, and Spain Discuss Defense Collaboration Ahead of...
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov held discussions with his Belgian and Spanish counterparts regarding military cooperation on April 13, 2026. Key priorities were aligned in preparation for the upcoming Ramstein meeting.
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Photo: Ukrinform UA
At a glance
- Ukrainian and NATO defense ministers discussed key military priorities.
- Belgium and Spain are each providing €1 billion in defense aid to Ukraine.
- Focus areas include air defense, drone capabilities, and long-range artillery support.
- The next Ramstein meeting is scheduled for April 15, 2026.
- Ukraine proposed collaboration with Spanish defense manufacturers and testing of drones.
Why it matters
Strengthening defense partnerships helps Ukraine enhance its military capabilities, crucial for its ongoing conflict. Collaborative efforts contribute to regional stability and support against external threats.
https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-polytics/4112120-pidgotovka-do-ramstajnu-ministri-oboroni-ukraini-belgii-ta-ispanii-obgovorili-spivpracu.html
What Happened
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov spoke with Belgian Minister Theo Francken and Spanish Minister Margarita Robles on April 13, 2026. The conversation focused on aligning priorities for military cooperation as nations prepare for the next Ramstein meeting.
Key Details
During the discussions, Fedorov outlined three main areas of cooperation: strengthening air defense capabilities, enhancing drone technology, and advancing the "Czech initiative" aimed at providing long-range artillery support to the frontlines. Belgium has pledged to allocate €1 billion in defense aid to Ukraine this year, confirming its intention to send additional F-16 fighter jets and provide spare parts for existing aircraft.
Spain has matched this commitment, also providing €1 billion to support Ukraine. The meeting included talks on developing defense industry collaborations within the European SAFE mechanism, with Ukraine offering a list of manufacturers that could partner with Spanish companies.
Fedorov expressed gratitude to both Belgium and Spain for their consistent support, stating that collaborative efforts have helped Ukraine in its resistance against enemy advances and the ongoing deoccupation of territories.
Why It Matters
This collaboration strengthens military ties between Ukraine and its allies, enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities amid ongoing conflicts. The discussions also highlight the importance of European support in providing military aid and reinforcing regional security partnerships.
Background
The Ramstein meetings, initiated in 2022, bring together defense ministers from allied nations to coordinate military assistance to Ukraine. The upcoming meeting, scheduled for April 15, 2026, is expected to address urgent needs and strategic military cooperation against ongoing threats.
Continued support from Belgium and Spain is crucial for Ukraine as it confronts military challenges and seeks to bolster its defenses against aggression from Russia.
Source: Ukrinform UA
This report is maintained as a live newsroom article. Headlines and top paragraphs may be tightened when fresh reporting changes the clearest angle.
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