Ramstein Format Coalition Allocates Over $80 Billion to Ukraine's Defence Needs
The Defence Contact Group in Ramstein Format has provided military assistance to Ukraine totalling over $80 billion and continues to contribute collective efforts to ensure ongoing support, as reported by Ukrinform.
These details were disclosed by Pentagon spokesperson General Patrick Ryder on Tuesday following a virtual meeting of the Contact Group. He highlighted that the Contact Group persists in its collective efforts to provide international military support to Ukraine, defending itself against unprovoked aggression from Russia. In total, this coalition has allocated over $80 billion to support Ukraine's security, with significant ongoing efforts in this direction.
Patrick Ryder specified that the current focus of the group's members is on strengthening the capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force and artillery, conducting military-maritime operations, demining territory, enhancing air defence, and more.
The Pentagon representative also emphasized that despite the absence of a congressional decision on further support for Ukraine, the United States continues to join efforts with allies and partners in exploring opportunities to aid the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Recalling the 18th virtual meeting of the Defence Contact Group on Tuesday, where U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Brown participated, involving over 50 countries worldwide.
The Ukrainian delegation included Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine General Valeriy Zaluzhny, Deputy Minister of Defense Lieutenant General Oleksandr Pavlyuk, Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Serhiy Shaptala, Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, and other official figures.
The Gaze publication also reported that Iceland announced its accession to the coalitions on information technology and demining, formed within the framework of the Defence Contact Group for Ukraine.
In addition to joining the two coalitions, Iceland also declared an additional allocation of €340,000 as part of NATO's Comprehensive Aid Package to purchase medical supplies for Ukraine.