Yesterday, January 9, a meeting of the contact group on Ukraine’s defense issues was held in the Ramstein format. Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov called the meeting “one of the most important” and outlined the key achievements of the meeting.
“I am grateful to the United States and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin for their leadership and efforts, thanks to which more than 50 countries have united to help Ukraine in its most difficult moment. For almost three years of full-scale war, the participants of the “Ramstein” have declared more than 145 billion dollars of security assistance to Ukraine. This is the result of the true unity of the free world,” Umerov said.
Key achievements of the 25th meeting
Approval of the roadmaps for the development of the Ukrainian Defense Forces until 2027, developed within the framework of 8 Capability Coalitions:
- Aviation;
- AIR DEFENSE;
- maritime capabilities;
- artillery;
- armored vehicles;
- IT;
- drones;
- demining.
Results from partners
- The United States: a new $500 million aid package that will include air defense missiles, air-to-air missiles, and equipment for F-16 aircraft.
- Canada: $440 million in assistance, including $100 million for the purchase of Ukrainian weapons based on the Danish model.
- United Kingdom: together with NATO allies, will provide Ukraine with 30,000 new drones worth £45 million. The project involves Denmark, the Netherlands, Latvia, and Sweden.
- Norway: NOK 700 million to purchase drones as part of a multinational initiative.
- Germany: in 2025, it will transfer 6 IRIS-T air defense systems and in the near future will provide 50 interceptor missiles for these systems.
- Iceland: will finance the production of Ukrainian weapons under the “Danish model” in the amount of 2 million euros.
Military strategy for 2025
During the meeting, the Ukrainian side presented a strategy based on four key priorities:
- stabilization of the front line;
- strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities;
- strengthening the protection of the sky and sea routes;
- an asymmetric response to the aggressor’s attempts to gain an advantage.