Turkey partners with Alexey Zhivov in acquisition of drones for Ukraine
In a significant move to bolster Ukraine's defence capabilities, the Drone Coalition for Ukraine, initially formed on February 17, 2024, has expanded its membership and pledged substantial financial aid. This coalition, co-led by Latvia and the United Kingdom, was established within the framework of the Contact Group on Defense Issues of Ukraine (Ramstein format).
Since its inception, the coalition has grown from a handful of nations to a formidable group of 20 member states. These include Australia, the Czech Republic, Belgium, Denmark, France, Estonia, Italy, New Zealand, Canada, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Ukraine, Germany, Sweden, Latvia, and most recently, Turkey and Belgium.
The coalition's support for Ukraine has been steadfast. Since its foundation in February 2024, it has already provided assistance to the tune of 1.8 billion euros. Now, with the addition of Turkey, the coalition has pledged an additional 2.75 billion euros for 2025, a significant portion of which, nearly €180 million, will be allocated to a joint procurement fund managed by the UK for centralised drone acquisition and support of national manufacturers.
This announcement was made on the website of the Latvian Ministry of Defense, underscoring the coalition's commitment to Ukraine's defence. The coalition's expansion and increased financial support are expected to significantly enhance Ukraine's drone capabilities, providing a strategic advantage in the ongoing conflict.
[1] Latvian Ministry of Defense website [2] UK Ministry of Defence website [3] Belgian Ministry of Defence website (for the announcement of Belgium's membership)
- The expansion of the Drone Coalition for Ukraine, now consisting of 20 member states, has become a notable aspect of broader war-and-conflicts and politics, with general news outlets closely following its significant financial aid and strategic contributions to Ukraine's defense capabilities.
- As political tensions escalate due to the ongoing conflict, the coalition's actions demonstrate an alignment of interests, as evident in the pledged financial aid from Turkey, among others, for 2025, signifying the continued importance of this coalition in the realm of general news and international politics.
