Ramstein-format Contact Group on Ukraine Defense
The Ramstein-format Contact Group on Ukraine Defense is an international coordination mechanism established in April 2022 at Ramstein Air Base in Germany under the leadership of the United States. It brings together roughly fifty countries to coordinate military assistance to Ukraine, including the delivery of weapons, ammunition and equipment. Meetings are held regularly at the level of defence ministers and chiefs of staff, with the U.S. Department of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff playing a central role in steering the format.
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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.