Ukraine Defense Contact Group
The Ukraine Defense Contact Group — also known as the Ramstein format — is an international coordination mechanism established in April 2022 at Ramstein Air Base in Germany to coordinate military aid to Ukraine from allied nations. It brings together defence ministry officials from partner countries, organises the delivery of weapons, equipment and ammunition, and holds regular meetings at the ministerial level. The format was launched by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin shortly after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
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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.