The Pentagon identified the key directions of “Ramstein”
23 January 2024 14:57
The Pentagon determined the priorities of the meeting of the Contact Group on the Defense of Ukraine, which will be held on January 23, focusing on the long-term military needs of Ukraine. This information was provided by the spokeswoman of the US Department of Defense, Sabrina Singh, reports 
with reference to the agency AP.
Since the creation of an international support group for Ukraine in April 2022 by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, this will be the first meeting at which the US expects to gather representatives from about 50 countries.
The meeting will be held in conditions where the American Congress has not yet made a decision on the financing of the aid package, due to which the United States cannot currently provide Ukraine with the necessary ammunition and missiles to counter Russian aggression.
Sabrina Singh said that the main focus of the meeting will be on Ukraine’s long-term needs. In this situation, Washington is counting on support from other allies.
“Even if we cannot provide direct military support at the moment, our partners continue to do so,” she said.
The last meeting in the Ramstein format took place in November 2023, held in virtual mode. After this meeting, the creation of several new coalitions aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities was announced. These initiatives include the development of air defenses, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, and the strengthening of the country’s naval and air forces.
On December 27, the Pentagon announced the provision of the last batch of security aid to Ukraine. The package, valued at $250 million, contained 155 mm artillery shells, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, and other military materials that were drawn from existing US stockpiles.
Since then, the United States has been unable to continue its support, as the funds for replenishing these stocks have been depleted and Congress has not yet approved additional funding.
Aid funding to Ukraine and Israel totaling more than $110 billion has been delayed by disagreements between the Legislature and the White House administration. Plans to provide additional security at the US-Mexico border and other policy initiatives have been among the key divisive issues.
