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Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal affirmed his country's reliance on Western allies for billions in aid and advanced weaponry during a Luxembourg visit, framing the support as essential for a new military strategy aimed at pressuring Russia to negotiate.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal conducted a working visit to Luxembourg on Thursday, where he was received with military honours at Senningen Castle by Defence Minister Yuriko Backes.
During the visit, Shmyhal expressed his government's gratitude for Luxembourg's sustained support since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Financial aid from the Grand Duchy has totalled approximately €260 million between 2022 and 2024, with over €90 million already allocated for 2025. Ukraine will continue to depend on such support into 2026.
A strategy to force negotiations
Outlining Ukraine's current military strategy, Shmyhal stated the objective is to increase pressure on Russia to bring its leadership to the negotiating table. He detailed a multi-pronged approach aimed at exerting pressure within Russia itself.
This strategy includes sustained attacks on Russian oil production, military logistics routes, and weapons factories, even those located deep inside Russian territory. Shmyhal further mentioned plans to intensify pressure on the Moscow region through widespread, or "carpet," operations targeting infrastructure and airports.
To execute this strategy effectively, Shmyhal reiterated Kyiv's long-standing request for more long-range Western weapons. He argued that the most effective method would be to combine these Western systems with armaments now being produced domestically in Ukraine.
His comments come ahead of a highly anticipated meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump in Washington on Friday, where the delivery of US Tomahawk long-range missiles is expected to be a key topic.
Expressing optimism following recent NATO discussions, Shmyhal said, "I am convinced that we will receive everything necessary from the USA to increase the pressure on the front line with our deep strikes." He also stressed that, alongside US support, Ukraine continues to rely on the commitment of its European partners to meet its demands for long-range capabilities.
Ukraine's continued dependence on allied support
Ukraine remains reliant on substantial military and financial support from its allies to sustain its defence against Russia, Shmyhal stated during his visit.
He detailed the complex arsenal required for the war effort, which integrates conventional artillery, hundreds of thousands of combat drones, electronic warfare systems, and medium to long-range missiles. However, he emphasised that these weapons systems must be financed by partner nations.
Ukraine is projected to need an estimated €120 billion next year to continue its self-defence, a sum it cannot meet without sustained support from its allies, including Luxembourg. While dependent on this external military aid, Shmyhal clarified that Ukraine does not require allied soldiers on its territory. "The Ukrainians will fight for their country themselves," he stated, underscoring that the need is for equipment and financial resources, not foreign troops.
The visit coincided with a significant diplomatic announcement. Following a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Trump announced that the two leaders plan to meet in person within the next two weeks. The talks are scheduled to take place in Hungary, a member state of both the European Union and NATO.
