Allies of Ukraine have pledged a total of €21 billion in new military aid, marking a "record increase in military funding," according to British Defence Minister John Healey.
The Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG), composed of around 50 countries, met on Friday morning at NATO headquarters in Brussels. It was chaired by British and German defence ministers, John Healey and Boris Pistorius.
Following the meeting, Healey stated that the new commitments announced by the UDCG amount to over €21 billion, the highest increase in military funding for Ukraine recorded to date. He was speaking at a press conference alongside Pistorius and Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte had also announced last Wednesday that NATO allies committed over €20 billion in security assistance to Ukraine during the first three months of this year.
Pistorius stated that the contact group was making great progress and expressed gratitude for the support packages from partners worldwide, highlighting the expected impact on the battlefield this year.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth participated in the Brussels meeting via video conference rather than in person, with Pistorius explaining it was due to scheduling rather than priorities, affirming the importance of his participation and address.
Looking ahead, Pistorius stressed the necessity of continued support for Ukraine and downplayed the significance of physical versus virtual participation in meetings.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov underscored the United States as Ukraine's key partner, remarking their focus on peace and ongoing leadership in security support and peace initiatives.
Umerov also noted that Europe is taking a leading role in security support alongside the ongoing participation of the United States.
This was the 27th meeting of the group, with previous meetings under former US President Joe Biden and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. Since Donald Trump resumed office, Germany and the UK have taken on the leadership roles.
Germany announced on Friday it would supply Ukraine with radar systems, IRIS-T air defence systems, ammunition, drones, armoured vehicles, tanks, and artillery systems, including thirty Patriot missiles, with over €11 billion in support planned through to 2029.
The UK committed £4.5 billion (€5.19 billion) in military support for this year, having previously announced £350 million for radar systems, anti-tank mines, drones, and equipment repair and maintenance.
