29th Ramstein Meeting: What Ukraine’s Partners Pledged This Time
The 29th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, held virtually on July 21 in the Ramstein format, reaffirmed the West’s unified support for Ukraine’s defense.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal described the meeting as a powerful demonstration of international solidarity, stating that “the free world stands with Ukraine and peace.”
The Gaze reports this, referring to Shmyhal’s post on social media.
High-level representatives from 52 countries and organizations pledged new assistance packages, including advanced air defense systems, long-range drones, ammunition, and financial support to bolster Ukraine’s military resilience.
Among the most significant outcomes was the announcement by the United States of a new NATO-coordinated mechanism that will allow European nations to jointly procure U.S. weapons for Ukraine.
European partners have already expressed readiness to participate in financing the initiative. Germany will contribute by transferring five Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine under this program.
Germany also committed to providing over 200,000 rounds of ammunition for the Gepard anti-aircraft systems and will finance the procurement of Ukrainian-manufactured long-range drones.
Canada, continuing its support through the "Danish model," has allocated 20 million Canadian dollars for the maintenance of Ukrainian tanks.
The Netherlands pledged €200 million to supply drone interceptors and an additional €125 million for the maintenance of F-16 fighter aircraft destined for Ukraine.
Norway announced a €1 billion aid package for drone acquisitions in 2025, of which €400 million will be directed toward contracts with Ukrainian defense producers.
Sweden is preparing a new aid package consisting of air defense systems, artillery, and military vehicles.
The meeting, co-hosted by UK Defence Secretary John Healey and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, gathered prominent defense and security figures, including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen. Alexis Grinkevich, and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.
Ukraine’s delegation was led by Minister Shmyhal and included National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, Chief of the General Staff Maj. Gen. Andriy Hnatov, Defense Intelligence Chief Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, and other senior representatives of the security and defense sector.
Shmyhal expressed his deep gratitude to all partner nations involved in the Ramstein format, highlighting the United States as the platform’s initiator in April 2022 and praising the continued leadership of the United Kingdom and Germany.
“We are working closely with our allies to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities and move closer to a just and lasting peace,” Shmyhal emphasized.