Results of the 24th "Ramstein" Meeting: Additional Weaponry for Ukraine and Maritime Capabilities Coalition
Following the 24th meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defence in the Ramstein format, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that new agreements had been reached on ammunition for Ukraine, as well as on financing the production of weapons, drones and missiles in Ukraine, with air defence remaining an unwavering priority.
‘We continue to convince our partners at all levels of the long-range capabilities. Russia can avoid seeking peace only as much as the world avoids making strong decisions aimed at defeating Russia. Long-range capabilities are one of these key, strategic decisions,’ Zelenskyy stressed.
‘I thank everyone around the world who is helping us to bring these absolutely necessary steps closer with our partners. Now - for the announced steps at Ramstein, for other assistance agreed upon this week - I would like to recognise Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Romania, Lithuania and Latvia,’ the President of Ukraine added.
In his turn, Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umerov announced a strong interest from partners and allies to invest, finance and cooperate to strengthen Ukraine's defence industry.
He added that active negotiations are already underway with a number of countries on the possibility of financing Ukrainian weapons, missiles and drones.
‘This opens up new opportunities for joint development of defence capabilities. And most importantly, it strengthens our frontline. Ukrainian long-range drones are already demonstrating their effectiveness, and our allies have noted this,’ Umerov said.
He announced the key results of the meeting of the Contact Group on Defence of Ukraine in the Ramstein format:
The United States announced another $250 million package of military assistance to Ukraine. It will include critical weapons and equipment, M2 Bradley fighting vehicles and missiles for HIMARS.
Canada will provide a large batch of engines for unguided aircraft missiles and 1,300 warheads, which will significantly enhance our air operations capabilities.
The new aid package also includes thousands of machine guns and pistols, military equipment and fifty ambulances to help meet our medical needs on the battlefield.
In addition, Canada has taken on an important role in training Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16s under the FLIT programme. The government will allocate $389 million for a 5-year period to train pilots and technicians.
The UK will provide Ukraine with 650 Light Multipurpose Missiles (LMM) worth £162 million, which will significantly strengthen our air defence capabilities.
The Netherlands will provide Ukraine with air-to-air missiles and auxiliary materials for F-16 aircraft worth €80 million. This assistance will significantly enhance the defence capabilities of our air force.
Sweden has joined the mine action coalition by signing a Memorandum of Understanding and pledging €5 million to the Coalition Fund to support mine action efforts.
Spain will send a battery of the HAWK surface-to-air missile system, which includes 6 launchers.
Another key outcome of the meeting with the allies was the signing of the Maritime Capabilities Coalition (MCC) Regulations, which will mean long-term support for Ukraine in ensuring security in the Black Sea.
Umerov thanked the UK and Norway for their leadership in the Coalition and looked forward to other partner countries joining.
This year, Ukraine is placing a special emphasis on ‘maritime defence’.
‘We have already driven hostile Russian ships away from the shores of the Crimean Peninsula. Together with our allies, we continue to implement the Maritime Security Strategy,’ Umerov added, noting that Ukraine, together with its allies, is bringing peace and security closer to Europe.