Ukraine’s defence chief scraps European visits amid intensifying attacks

Ukrainian Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara has urgently postponed planned visits to Germany and Norway amid a critical situation surrounding Ukraine’s air defence, Ukrainian media reported, citing sources in the Defence Ministry.

According to the reports, the increasing frequency of large-scale attacks on Ukrainian targets requires the ministry’s leadership to maintain constant operational attention.

The ministry’s efforts are currently being redirected toward finding ways to respond urgently to the attacks.

At the same time, the Defence Ministry assured that dialogue with European partners would continue. Khmara will seek weapons and other military assistance remotely instead of making the planned visits.

Khmara had been due to travel to Germany and Norway for talks with representatives of the two partner countries. Ukrainian officials have identified air defence as a key priority in discussions with European partners. On September 28, Khmara addressed EU defence ministers remotely, outlining Ukraine’s urgent battlefield and financial needs, with air defence among the main issues discussed.

By Tamilla Hasanova