Ukraine says Romania preparing 23rd military aid package

Romania is set to transfer to Ukraine the 23rd military aid package since the start of the war, according to Ukrainian defense minister Denys Shmyhal.

Romania “has already provided Ukraine with 22 military aid packages, and soon our soldiers will receive the 23rd,” the minister said in a Facebook post, without giving details about what it contains.

The statement follows the meeting between the Ukrainian official and Romanian counterpart Liviu-Ionuţ Moşteanu.

This is the first time that such information has been made public, since Romanian officials have been wary to disclose the exact nature of Romania’s aid to Ukraine. A few contributions to Ukraine’s defense have, however, been highlighted by officials. In September 2024, Romania donated a US-made Patriot missile defense system to Ukraine, for which president Zelensky showed gratitude. In January 2025, the US Pentagon approved a contract to replace the donated missile defense system. Aside from providing equipment, Romania also hosts a training center for NATO and Ukrainian pilots at the Fetești Air Base.

During the meeting, Shmyhal and Moşteanu reportedly agreed that the two countries will intensify coordination between the air defense forces.

“Romania continues the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 and brings other significant contributions to the formation of our air defense shield,” Denys Shmyhal mentioned. He also thanked Romania for its unwavering support in key areas.

The ministers also discussed the possibility of using the European SAFE mechanism to launch joint projects for technology exchange and for “launching Ukrainian production in Romania,” Shmyhal wrote.

“We focused on the development of industrial cooperation. The priority is the production of interceptor drones and long-range drones,” stated Denys Shmyhal.

Another important topic on the agenda of the discussions in Kyiv was, according to the Ukrainian minister, Romania’s accession to the PURL initiative, which provides Ukrainian soldiers with American weapons.

“I am grateful to the Romanian government and people, and personally to Mr. Moşteanu, for their effective cooperation and strong support given to Ukraine,” wrote the former prime minister at the end of his Facebook post.

In turn, the Romanian minister of defense said that Romania will continue to stand by Ukraine.