Ukraine is seeking an additional $20 billion in military funding from its allies, Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said on Wednesday, as Kyiv looks to strengthen its battlefield position and increase pressure on Russia ahead of potential negotiations.
Speaking at a joint press conference with his Dutch counterpart, Fedorov said Ukraine would ask its partners to increase support beyond the nearly $40 billion in military funding already announced.
A Ukrainian defence source told Reuters last week that Kyiv planned to make the request at Thursday's meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, also known as the Ramstein Group, an alliance of more than 50 countries that coordinates military and financial assistance for Ukraine.
According to Fedorov, of the almost $40 billion already committed by partners, Ukraine currently sees only around $24 billion reflected in delivery schedules.
He said Kyiv has been working with its allies to improve the quality of military assistance and ensure it aligns more closely with Ukraine's priorities, including long-range artillery, domestically produced drones, air defence systems and investments under NATO's Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative.
"That is why we are working to improve the quality of this aid and secure an additional 20 billion on top of the 40 billion that has already been announced," Fedorov said.
Fedorov said Ukraine is trying to convince its partners that there is a "window of opportunity" to increase pressure on Russia.
Russian advances have slowed this year, with Ukrainian medium-range drone strikes disrupting Russian supply lines and logistics supporting frontline operations. Long-range drone attacks have also targeted Russia's energy sector.
In recent weeks, Ukrainian military commanders have argued that evolving battlefield dynamics could create an opportunity this year to bring Moscow to the negotiating table on more favourable terms for Kyiv.
The latest appeal for funding comes as Ukraine seeks to maintain military momentum while continuing to defend against Russian attacks and prepare for what could be a decisive phase of the war.
The Ramstein Group's meeting is expected to focus on sustaining military aid, accelerating weapons deliveries and ensuring Ukraine has the resources needed to continue its defence efforts in the months ahead.
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