Late on 22 November, the Telegram channel of Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reported that he participated in a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format for the first time.
“I briefed our partners in detail on the situation on the battlefield. I noted that the situation at the front is complicated but controlled. The Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to conduct defensive and offensive operations. I reported on Russian actions, threats, and their likely plans for the near future,” Zaluzhnyi wrote.
The Commander-in-Chief says he has expressed gratitude to Ukraine’s partners for the activities of the Coalition of Capabilities, which “significantly strengthens our positions and capabilities.”
According to Zaluzhnyi, the announced assistance packages will strengthen Ukraine’s air defense system, artillery, electronic warfare, and other essential components.
The 17th Ramsttein-format meeting took place via video link on 22 November 2023, bringing together defense leaders from more than 50 countries.
The Ramstein format meetings are a series of international conferences by the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, an alliance of 54 countries, including all 31 NATO member states supporting the defense of Ukraine by sending military equipment in response to the ongoing Russian invasion. The meetings occur both in person and via video link.
Ground-Based Air Defense coalition
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense provided some details on the results of the 17th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group:
- Following the meeting, a new Ground-Based Air Defense coalition was formed, with 20 countries joining.
- Germany has committed to providing $1.4 billion in aid to Ukraine, which includes IRIS-T air-defense systems with guided missiles, 8,000 anti-tank mines, a Patriot system, and 155mm artillery ammunition, all expected to be delivered by mid-December.
- The Netherlands has pledged EUR 2 billion in military aid to Ukraine.
- Estonia, leading an IT coalition, is contributing $500,000 to the coalition’s activities.
- Luxembourg has committed EUR 10 million to the same cause.
- Britain and Norway, as part of a maritime coalition, are exploring ways to enhance security in the Black Sea in support of Ukraine.
Read also:
- 15th Ramstein meeting: Allies recognizing Ukraine’s war is a “marathon”
- Ramstein-11 outcomes: Russia approaching Nuremberg II – Defense Minister Reznikov
- Sweden to send Ukraine 10 Leopard 2 tanks, Spain four more, Norway with US two NASAMS systems – Ramstein-10 results (updated)
