Rustem Umerov, the head of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, canceled a planned trip to France, citing security concerns as the reason. This information came through the French defense ministry, which relayed the notice to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
AFP reported that the visit scheduled for January 18 was called off for security considerations. The cancellation changes the timeline for a series of planned engagements, including talks in Paris between Umerov and French Defense Minister Sebastian Lecornu. The two were expected to inaugurate a conference centered on launching the Artillery Coalition, a leading initiative within the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group framework, and to tour several French industrial sites tied to defense production.
With the visit scrapped, Umerov is set to host the Artillery Conference via video link, ensuring ongoing discussions and collaboration despite the change in travel plans. The conference is anticipated to maintain momentum on artillery-related coordination and support for Ukrainian forces, even as in-person discussions are suspended.
Earlier, Umerov had stated there had been a phone conversation with Pentagon leader Lloyd Austin. During that call, the Ukrainian defense chief and the U.S. counterpart reviewed the situation along the front lines and identified the specific equipment and logistical needs facing Ukrainian troops at that moment.
In related developments, there were previously circulating reports on the Verkhovna Rada about concerns surrounding the dismissal of certain deputy defense ministers of Ukraine, reflecting internal political dynamics that could influence senior defense leadership and policy directions.