Ukraine's Defense Ministry reveals date for next Ramstein meeting
Photo: Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s defense minister (mod.gov.ua)
The next meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (Ramstein meeting) is scheduled for April 15. The main topics of the meeting will be strengthening air defense and developing unmanned systems, according to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
Preparations for Ramstein meeting
During a working call, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius discussed details of the upcoming meeting. Ukraine is preparing an update on the implementation of key points of its "war plan" aimed at forcing Russia to peace.
Priority areas of cooperation will include strengthening air defense, developing unmanned systems, and exchanging combat data and technologies. Ukraine is offering partners a cooperation model in which they gain access to unique battlefield experience and Ukrainian-made systems, including methods for countering Shahed-type drones.
Joint projects with Germany
The parties are preparing a number of technological projects, including additional funding for long- and medium-range drones (deep-strike and middle-strike).
They also discussed prospects for cooperation in the field of innovative laser weapons.
Mykhailo Fedorov noted Germany’s critical role in protecting Ukrainian infrastructure, particularly through the supply of PAC-3 missiles.
"Germany’s contributions have been critical in repelling Russian attacks," the Defense Minister emphasized.
The ministers also paid special attention to the exchange of large volumes of combat data. In the near future, cooperation in this area is expected to intensify, opening new opportunities for strengthening the defense capabilities of both countries.
Allied support and Ramstein reform
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously confirmed that the Patriot air defense missiles promised by partners during earlier meetings have already arrived in Ukraine. These include a batch of PAC-3 missiles, which are critical for protecting the skies from ballistic threats.
Following the Contact Group meeting held on February 12, Ukraine received one of the largest support packages. At that time, allies confirmed $38 billion in funding, allocated for the purchase of drones, air defense systems, and ammunition.
In addition to receiving weapons, Kyiv is currently working on changing the operational framework of the Ramstein format itself. Reforming the format is necessary to ensure that each participating country clearly understands its specific contributions to Ukraine’s long-term defense capabilities.
