The Pentagon has revealed the key focus areas for the upcoming "Ramstein" meeting, which is expected to be significant.
The United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will travel from Washington to Germany for the upcoming 25th meeting in the "Ramstein" format. This gathering of the Contact Group on Ukraine's defense, scheduled for January 9, is expected to be "significant."
This information was reported by RBK-Ukraine, citing the Pentagon.
The American defense department noted that the "Ramstein" meetings, which began in April 2022, play a "crucial role in coordinating international support to assist Ukraine in defending its sovereignty against Russia's unprovoked aggression."
The U.S. Department of Defense described the upcoming 25th meeting as "significant."
It was highlighted that during the meeting, Austin will engage with defense ministers from other coalition nations and senior military officials from around the globe.
The Pentagon informed that the "Ramstein" discussions will cover:
- the immediate needs of Ukraine on the battlefield,
- long-term defense requirements and essential coordination being carried out through coalitions of forces and resources.
"The meeting will focus on the necessity of ensuring the continued provision of key capabilities, including air defense systems, artillery ammunition, and armored vehicles, as well as efforts to strengthen the defense industrial base," the U.S. Department of Defense stated.
A plan to support Ukraine until 2027 will be outlined at the meeting
Additionally, the Pentagon provided statements from "two senior officials" to the media on January 7, indicating that Austin aims to gather eight leaders of coalition forces and assets from the contact group at the Ramstein airbase to formulate a plan for Ukraine's Defense Capability to support the establishment of reliable deterrent forces until 2027.
The U.S. Department of Defense clarified that within the "Ramstein" format, there exists a coalition steering group consisting of 8 coalitions based on capabilities. Each of these represents one aspect of Ukraine's military potential and is co-led by at least two separate NATO countries.
"Leaders of these coalitions will need to approve roadmaps that outline the needs and objectives of the Ukrainian air force, armored vehicles, artillery, demining, drones, integrated air and missile defense, information technology, and maritime security until 2027. These roadmap goals are intended to enable donors to plan and support Ukraine consistently in the future," quoted the Pentagon one of the officials from the U.S. defense department.
The U.S. official also noted that while the 25th meeting of the Contact Group will be Austin's last as head of the Pentagon, the U.S. Department of Defense is not "closing" the group, and its work will continue.
The American agency also reminded that since the establishment of the Contact Group in April 2022, the U.S., its allies, and partners have allocated over $126 billion for Ukraine's security assistance.
New meeting in the "Ramstein" format
It was previously reported that the next meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's defense in the "Ramstein" format is set for January 9.
Recently, U.S. Department of Defense spokesperson Sabrina Singh mentioned that this meeting will focus on practical and coordinated steps to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities now and in the future.
On January 7, President Vladimir Zelensky stated that Kyiv is carefully preparing for the upcoming meeting in the "Ramstein" format. The head of state noted that all needs of the Ukrainian military are being discussed.
Moreover, according to Associated Press, it is likely that during the Pentagon chief's visit to Germany for the "Ramstein" meeting on January 9, the U.S. plans to announce a significant military aid package for Ukraine.