Ukraine prepares for new Defense Contact Group meeting with US support
Ukraine's Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal (Getty Images)
Ukraine's Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal met with US Chargé d'Affaires to Ukraine Julie S. Davis and other members of the American delegation, Shmyhal reported.
"Today we held a focused and meaningful meeting," Shmyhal reported.
He thanked the United States for its "exceptional level of support," particularly for the announcement of additional Patriot systems and long-range weaponry. The minister emphasized that such assistance is vital for protecting the civilian population from daily Russian attacks.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the implementation of existing defense support agreements, the development of bilateral cooperation, and joint drone production. According to Shmyhal, new important projects are currently being prepared.
They also reviewed the outcomes of the recent Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting. The minister expressed his gratitude for the participation of US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and highlighted the importance of holding the next session in an in-person format as soon as possible.
"We are working in close coordination with our American partners. Achieving lasting peace through strength remains our goal — and we are convinced that this can be achieved under US leadership," Shmyhal noted.
What is the Ukraine Defense Contact Group?
The Ukraine Defense Contact Group, also known as the Ramstein format, brings together over 50 countries that coordinate military assistance to Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
The platform was initiated by the United States, with the first meeting held on April 26, 2022, at Ramstein Air Base in Germany — which is how the format got its name.
Within this framework, a series of decisions has been made to supply Ukraine with modern Western military equipment. As a result of the Contact Group's efforts, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have received HIMARS rocket systems, Patriot air defense systems, Leopard 2 and Abrams tanks, and other military hardware.
The most recent meeting took place on July 21. It was the first session in which Denys Shmyhal participated as Ukraine's Minister of Defense and Rustem Umerov as Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council.
