At Ramstein, a plan for Ukraine's defense capabilities through 2027 will be developed, according to the Pentagon.
During the 25th "Ramstein" meeting, a defense capability plan for Ukraine will be developed through 2027. Partners will focus on the necessity of supplying Kyiv with air defense systems, ammunition, and armored vehicles. The meeting will take place at an airbase in Germany on Wednesday, January 9.
This was reported on the Pentagon's website, which referred to the meeting as "significant." It was noted that U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will meet with defense ministers and military officials to discuss Ukraine's immediate battlefield needs, long-term defense requirements, and coordination of assistance to our country.
"The meeting will concentrate on the need to ensure continuous supply of key capabilities, including air defense systems, artillery ammunition, and armored vehicles, as well as efforts to strengthen the defense industrial base," the statement said.
According to one Pentagon official, the meeting will outline a defense capability plan for Ukraine through 2027.
"Coalition leaders will need to approve roadmaps that will outline Ukraine's needs and goals in the areas of air forces, armored vehicles, artillery, demining, drones, integrated air and missile defense, information technologies, and maritime security by 2027. These roadmaps are designed to enable donors to plan and support Ukraine in the future," the official explained.
In response to a question regarding the future of "Ramstein" if American support for the group decreases following the Trump administration's return, the official expressed confidence that the "multilateral nature" of the group will ensure its future resilience.
"I can't speak to what decision the new administration will make regarding its role... I am confident that these coalitions for capabilities will continue their work in one way or another," the official added.
Another official noted that while the 25th "Ramstein" meeting will be Austin's last, the U.S. Department of Defense is not "closing" the group, and work will continue.
"Thanks to multilateral efforts, coalitions for capabilities, and everything we have done, ('Ramstein') will endure in the future, I believe, regardless of how the next team will or will not continue it," the official stated.
Ramstein Meeting
On the morning of January 3, Ukrainian media reported that the meeting on Ukraine's defense in the "Ramstein" format would take place on January 9. It will be held at the "Ramstein" airbase in Germany, chaired by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
It is worth noting that this meeting was initially scheduled for October 2024 in Germany. It was expected to be led by U.S. President Joe Biden, with the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, the meeting was canceled as Biden postponed his visit to Germany due to a powerful hurricane affecting Florida.
The "Ramstein" format emerged in 2022 to coordinate military support for Ukraine under U.S. auspices. It brings together more than 50 nations worldwide, the vast majority of which are NATO members.