Ukraine secures Patriots, shells, and drone funding at Ramstein format meeting
The 29th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (Ramstein format) took place on Monday, with Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal announcing new aid packages from international partners in a social media post.
Key decisions from the allies include:
- The United States will launch a new mechanism with NATO, enabling European countries to purchase American weapons for Ukraine, with European partners already pledging financial support. Germany will contribute to providing Ukraine with five Patriot air defense systems, expected to arrive soon.
- Germany will supply over 200,000 rounds for Gepard systems and fund the procurement of Ukrainian long-range drones.
- Canada will continue supporting Ukraine’s defense industry through the “Danish model,” allocating 20 million Canadian dollars ($14.6 million) for the maintenance of Ukrainian tanks.
- The Netherlands will provide 200 million euros ($234 million) for interceptor drones and 125 million euros ($146 million) for F-16 aircraft maintenance.
- Norway will allocate 1 billion euros ($1.17 billion) in 2025 for drone procurement, including 400 million euros ($468 million) for purchases from Ukraine’s defense industry.
- Sweden is preparing a new aid package with air defense systems, artillery, and equipment.
Shmyhal noted that the Ramstein meeting, organized by UK Defense Secretary John Healey and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, brought together 52 countries and organizations.
Participants included NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, U.S. European Command and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Alexus Grynkewich, and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas.
The Ukrainian delegation included NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov, Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Chief of the General Staff Major General Andriy Hnatov, Head of Defense Intelligence Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, First Deputy Defense Minister Serhiy Boyev, and other security and defense officials.
On July 14, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that the U.S. would provide Ukraine with billions of dollars in weapons, to be purchased and distributed by NATO allies. He mentioned that up to 17 Patriot air defense systems were being prepared for Ukraine.
Trump claimed that Patriot missiles were already being loaded in Germany for shipment to Ukraine, though Germany’s Defense Ministry said it was unaware of his claims.
However, General Alexus Grynkewich later confirmed preparations for the rapid transfer of additional Patriot systems to Ukraine.
- Share: