The next meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, formatted after the Ramstein model, is set for April 15. This announcement was made by Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov following a phone conversation with his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius.
During their discussion, the ministers focused on preparations for the upcoming meeting and specific decisions aimed at strengthening Ukraine both in the immediate term and for the long run.
Fedorov noted that Ukraine and Germany are collaborating on several joint projects to be implemented in the near future, including:
- Significant enhancements to air defense systems;
- Additional funding for drones, particularly in deep-strike and middle-strike capabilities;
- Development of joint technological solutions;
- New formats for exchanging combat data.
He also mentioned ongoing cooperation in innovative sectors, particularly projects related to laser technologies. Fedorov expressed gratitude to Germany for its systematic support, including contributions to the Czech initiative and the supply of PAC-3 missiles, which he described as critical for the protection of Ukrainian airspace this winter.
The previous meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group took place on February 12 at NATO headquarters in Brussels. During that session, the United Kingdom announced a historic support package for Ukraine, amounting to £500 million (over $680 million), aimed at bolstering air defense capabilities. Several other countries also declared their own assistance packages:
- Germany will allocate at least €1 billion for drone procurement and fund projects to enhance air defense.
- Norway is contributing $7 billion, part of which will be directed towards drones, air defense, and artillery.
- Sweden announced a package worth €1.2 billion.
- Denmark plans to increase its total assistance to $2 billion.
- The Netherlands, Latvia, and Estonia intend to allocate at least 0.25% of their GDP to support Ukraine.
- The Netherlands has also committed €90 million to the PURL initiative.
- Spain will provide $1.2 billion.
- Belgium has pledged €1 billion.
- Lithuania will contribute $265 million.
- Canada will separately fund military and medical needs.
- Australia has announced a new contribution to the PURL initiative.
- Portugal reported contributions to PURL and the Czech initiative, as well as the transfer of armored vehicles and drones under the SAFE program.
- Turkey will enhance Ukraine’s air defense with its own contributions.
- Slovenia has announced a $5 million assistance package.
Ukraine's Defense Minister announced the next meeting of the Defense Contact Group for April 15, focusing on enhancing military support from allied nations. Several countries have committed significant resources to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities, particularly in air defense and drone technology.