Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine
The Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine, also known as the Ramstein Format, is the international coordination mechanism for military assistance to Ukraine. It was established in April 2022 at the US Ramstein Air Base in Germany at the initiative of the United States, bringing together defence ministers and senior officials from allied and partner countries. Following the change of US administration in January 2025, co-leadership of the group passed to the United Kingdom and Germany.
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At virtual Ramstein meeting, Germany announces Patriot interceptors and 'City Dome' shield for Ukraine
At the 36th Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting on 8 September, held virtually, Germany announced the urgent transfer of PAC-2 Patriot interceptors and additional AIM-9 missiles from Bundeswehr stocks, launched the 'City Dome' project to shield Ukrainian cities from drone and missile strikes, and committed to financing tens of thousands of long-range artillery shells. The UK pledged £100 million through PURL for air defense, the EU approved financing for 3.2 billion euros of Patriot missiles, and Ukraine outlined plans to contract around 1,000 Patriot missiles and several thousand additional IRIS-T missiles with partner support. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said civilian deaths in Ukraine are at their highest since May 2022 and warned that delays cost lives.