Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense
The Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense, known as the Ramstein format, is an international coordination mechanism for Western military assistance to Ukraine, established in April 2022 under U.S. leadership following Russia's full-scale invasion. The group's meetings are held at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, chaired by the U.S. Secretary of Defense, and bring together defense officials from dozens of allied nations. The format is used to coordinate arms deliveries, training for Ukrainian forces, and longer-term capability planning for Ukraine's armed forces.
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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.