Ukraine to conduct review of Ground Forces command, defense minister announces
"Victory requires a deep analysis of experience, and an honest understanding of mistakes," Rustem Umerov said.
Rustem Umerov
Ukraine secures over $156 million for defense industry from European allies, defense minister says
The funds will support the production of long-range drones, missiles, and artillery, which are critical to Ukraine’s defense strategy.
Ukrainian drones made up over 96% of UAVs military used in 2024, defense minister says
The domestic drone industry "reached unprecedented production volumes" in 2024, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said on Dec. 28.
Ukraine delivered 200,000 domestically-produced drones to front-line units so far in December, Umerov says
The Ukrainian military has proven to be a pioneer in drone technology, using innovative ways to undermine Russia's material and numerical advantage.
North Korea supports Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, Umerov says
"For the Republic of Korea, these actions pose a serious threat, as North Korean troops are gaining combat experience, which could present additional security challenges in the region in the future," Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said following his visit to South Korea.
South Korean president meets Ukraine's delegation to discuss Moscow-Pyongyang ties
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met a Ukrainian delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in Seoul on Nov. 27 to discuss the deepening military ties between Russia and North Korea, the Yonhap news agency reported.
Drone coalition to gather $1.8 billion by end of 2024, defense minister says
An allied initiative, co-headed by the U.K. and Latvia, was launched in January to bolster Ukraine's arsenal of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which became a crucial capability on the battlefield. Nearly 20 countries joined the coalition as of late November.
Ministry: Lithuania to fund production of Ukrainian long-range drones
The long-term agreement between Ukraine and Lithuania includes an initial tranche of 10 million euros which has already been agreed upon and focuses particularly on Ukraine's Palianytsia missile-like drones.
Ukraine begins talks with partners about advanced air defense systems, following Russia's IRBM strike
President Volodymyr Zelensky has directed Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to engage with partners on acquiring advanced air defense systems, according to Zelensky’s statement on Nov. 22.
Zelensky denies potential dismissal of defense minister, head of military intelligence
"I wasn't going to do that. I was not going to replace Budanov. This information was circulating, yes. There was no such question about Umerov either," Zelensky said during a meeting with journalists.
US has provided Ukraine with over $64 billion in military aid since start of full-scale invasion, Umerov says
"Your unwavering support is not just a gesture of friendship. It's a powerful symbol of the shared values that bind our nations together," Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said alongside U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
NATO Secretary General Rutte announces Ukraine-NATO Council meeting
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced that the next meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council is scheduled for Oct. 17. The meeting will bring together defense ministers from NATO member states alongside Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
Defense minister confirms more weapons pledges, arms production after foreign visit
The U.K. pledged to provide additional long-range weapons, artillery systems, and robotic systems, while French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the possibility of opening a training center for drone operators in France, according to the announcement.
Ukraine sets up supervisory boards for lethal and non-lethal procurement agencies, Defense Minister says
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov planned to merge the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA) and the State Rear Operator (DOT) into one agency but changed his mind after a NATO statement said that the two agencies should be kept separate and two separate supervisory boards should be established.
Ukraine aims to increase ballistic missiles, long-range arms production in 2025, Umerov says
"Our priority is to develop domestic drones and long-range weapons, including ballistic missiles," Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said on Oct. 1 at Ukraine's second international defense industry forum.
Ukraine's defense procurement agencies should be kept separate, NATO reaffirms
The NATO statement came days after Umerov said the ministry was planning to merge the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA) and the State Rear Operator (DOT) into one agency.
Ukraine's defense minister requests dismissal of 3 deputies, state secretary
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov called the system of the Defense Ministry, including the Armed Forces, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR), and State Transport Special Service "a closed perimeter" during martial law, without giving a clear reason for the reshuffle.
Ukraine has 'extensive' 3-year plan for drone, ground robotics production, defense minister says
Ukraine has developed a three-year plan for the production of drones, electronic warfare equipment and ground robotic systems, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said in an interview with Lb.ua media outlet published on Sept. 24. Described as "very thorough and extensive," the document on Ukrainian manufacturing was presented during Umerov's
Ukraine presents US with list of targets in Russia it wants to hit with ATACMS missiles
"We have explained what kind of capabilities we need to protect the citizens against the Russian terror that Russians are causing us, so I hope we were heard," Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said.
Firing of Air Force Commander Oleshchuk not connected to deadly F-16 crash, Umerov says
"I would probably say this is a rotation," said Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. "This is two separate issues…at this stage, I would not connect them."
Ukraine has invested $7 billion in defense industry this year, Umerov says
The funds are going towards drones, robotics, and electronic warfare systems, all of which are "already yielding tangible results on the battlefield," Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said.
Latvia to expand Drone Coalition, provide Ukraine $126 million in military support, defense minister says
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Latvia’s Defense Minister Andris Spruds discussed front-line developments and strengthening the Drone Coalition, which has united nearly 20 countries so far.
Ukraine signs two contracts with domestic defense industry worth $121 million, Umerov says
According to Strategic Industries Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin, Ukraine's defense industry has a capacity worth around $20 billion, but the state can muster only up to $10 billion to purchase weapons and equipment.
Spain to provide additional Hawk air defense battery to Ukraine
Spain will provide Ukraine with another Hawk air defense system in September, Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles said during a video call with her Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, on July 24.
Ukraine will find battlefield solutions regardless of who wins US election, defense minister says
Ukraine will find a way to combat Russia's forces even if former President Donald Trump wins a second term and jeopardizes vital U.S. support for its defense, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said on July 17.
US to announce $2.3 billion military aid package to Ukraine 'soon'
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that the package will include air defense missiles, anti-tank weapons "and other critical munitions from U.S. stockpiles," Voice of America reported.
Umerov to meet with Austin at the Pentagon on July 2
On July 2, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov will meet with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon.
Defense minister: Ukraine may receive first F-16s 'very soon' but half of military aid arriving late
Russia has 500,000 troops in Ukraine and near its borders and is preparing to involve another 200,000-300,000, aiming to "open a new front in the north to start using all their manpower, firing power," Umerov said.
Defense Minister Umerov: Russia attacked Ukraine with 10,000 guided bombs this year
Russia typically uses laser-guided or satellite-guided KAB bombs, with payloads ranging from 250 to 1,500 kilograms, against Ukrainian military and civilian targets.
Umerov dismisses chief of Missile, Artillery, and UAV Forces
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov dismissed Brigadier General Serhii Baranov from his position as head of the Missile, Artillery, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Forces, the division announced on May 14.
Danish commander-in-chief meets Syrskyi, Umerov to discuss further assistance for Ukraine
Commander-in-Chief of the Danish Armed Forces Michael Wiggers Hyldgaard visited Kyiv and met his counterpart Oleksandr Syrskyi and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov on April 20, Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief wrote on Facebook.
Defense Ministry creates new role of military ombudsman
Ukrainian military personnel will soon have access to a military ombudsman, ensuring they can report violations of their rights, the Defense Ministry announced on April 3.
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