Five European defence ministers pledge continued Ukraine support

The defence ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom said Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security inside NATO, and pledged to keep supporting Ukraine politically, militarily and financially

Why it matters: The statement formalises the shift of European defence leadership onto the continent's five largest military powers, tying higher European capability targets to continued Ukraine support and action against Russia's shadow fleet

Data as of The E5 statement itself, published on GOV.UK on October 26, 2026 and read in full in this run; the figures and commitments are the ministers' own wording. Bloomberg coverage of the same meeting is cited for context only.

The defence ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom, meeting as the Group of Five, or E5, said Russia remains the most acute and long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security, citing its war against Ukraine, violations of Allied airspace, sabotage and hybrid attacks. The five said Europe must assume greater responsibility for its own security, taking more political and military leadership inside NATO while describing the United States as an indispensable ally whose continued engagement is essential.

On Ukraine, the ministers pledged to maintain what they called unwavering support by all available means, politically, militarily and financially, and to keep tackling Russia’s shadow fleet in line with international law. They said the Coalition of the Willing would contribute security guarantees once a ceasefire or peace agreement is in place.

Five European defence ministers pledge continued Ukraine support

Sources