On the afternoon of July 21, an online meeting of the Contact Group on Defense Issues in Ukraine in the "Ramstein" format, chaired by Britain and Germany, began. 52 countries are participating at the level of their defense ministers or their deputies.
Points of attention
- 52 countries participated in an online meeting in the 'Ramstein' format to discuss defense issues in Ukraine, with notable updates on international security assistance and investments in Ukraine's defense industry.
- Ukraine received a record $43 billion in international security assistance by 2025 and has invested over $20 billion in its defense industry, showcasing significant progress and self-sufficiency in defense capabilities.
New meeting in the “Ramstein” format: what is known
Today's meeting is chaired by the United Kingdom and Germany, which convened the meeting.
On behalf of Ukraine, there are two representatives: the new Minister of Defense Denys Shmyhal, who is welcomed in his new role by the meeting participants, and Rustem Umerov, who took up the position of Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council.
The United States is represented by US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker. Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth, as announced by the UK mission to the Alliance, is not present. NATO countries, the European Union and other allies of Ukraine are among those present
NSDC Secretary Umerov said that in 2025, international security assistance to Ukraine reached a record $43 billion — the highest figure since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion.
Ukraine is no longer just a recipient — we are now a full-fledged participant in joint production. Over the past two years, we have invested over 20 billion in our own defense industry.
Rustem Umerov
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine
As the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council stated at Ramstein, today almost 40% of the front's needs are covered domestically, and 95% of drones used at the front are manufactured in Ukraine.
Thanks to the Danish model, our partners have invested directly in Ukrainian defense enterprises for the first time, attracting over $4 billion. Together with our allies, we have already implemented over 20 joint projects. Many more are ongoing and will soon yield results.
Shmyhal named the amount needed to close the gap in weapons purchases this year. To do this, he said, Ukraine needs $6 billion. The Defense Minister called on partners to help with financial support.
This will allow us to build more FPV drones to hold the line, more interceptor drones to counter Shahed attacks, and additional deep strike weapons to turn the war back on Russia,
Shmyhal called on the US and Europe to help with the purchase of Patriot and PAK-3 missiles
I ask the United States to make these weapons available for purchase, and our European partners to provide all necessary funding for their acquisition.
Denys Shmyhal
Minister of Defense of Ukraine
Boris Pistorius, the German Defense Minister, said that Germany would provide additional air defense systems and necessary ammunition.
Additionally, during my trip to Washington last week, I agreed with Pete Hegseth that Germany would join in providing five urgently needed Patriot systems as soon as possible.
UK Defense Secretary John Healy also made an important statement at the opening of Ramstein.
Along with a new agreement that ensures Ukraine will have everything it needs to defend itself, President Trump has also set a 50-day deadline for Putin to agree to peace or face devastating economic sanctions. As members of this contact group, we must step up to arm Ukraine on the battlefield and bring Putin to the negotiating table.
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