(L-R) Denys Shmyhal, Minister of Defence of Ukraine; Yuriko Backes, Minister of Defence of Luxembourg;
Credit: © SIP / Kary Barthelmey
On Thursday 16 October 2025, Ukraine's Minister of Defence, Denys Shmyhal, paid a working visit to Luxembourg.
As reported by Luxembourg's Directorate of Defence, Minister Shmyhal was hosted by his Luxembourgish counterpart, Defence Minister Yuriko Backes. A guard of honour from the Luxembourg Army welcomed the Ukrainian minister at Senningen Castle.
Bilateral discussions focused on the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine and the urgent needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The ministers particularly welcomed the achievements of the IT Coalition, led by Estonia and Luxembourg within the framework of the "Ukraine Defense Contact Group" (UDCG). They underlined the importance of a robust IT infrastructure, cyber capabilities and satellite communications capabilities.
During a press conference, Minister Backes emphasised Luxembourg's unwavering support for Ukraine, saying: "From day one and for as long as necessary, we will stand by Ukraine."
That same day, Ministers Shmyhal and Backes met with Claude Wiseler, President of the Chamber of Deputies, and a parliamentary delegation for an exchange of views.
The working visit concluded with a meeting with Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel.
