Ukraine Defense Contact Group to Convene Final Meeting Before U.S. Presidential Transition
The Ramstein summit, chaired by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, will focus on reinforcing Ukraine's defense capabilities as uncertainty looms over future U.S. support.
- The 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) is scheduled for January 9 at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, led by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
- The meeting will address coordinated international military aid to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses and overall defense capabilities against Russian aggression.
- The Biden administration recently announced nearly $2.5 billion in additional aid packages for Ukraine, including artillery, rockets, and armored vehicles, as part of its final efforts before the presidential transition.
- Uncertainty surrounds the future of U.S. support for Ukraine under President-elect Donald Trump, who has pledged to end the war quickly but has not detailed his approach.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for enhanced air defense systems and continued Western support to counter ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks.