Ramstein-23: What the allies agreed upon and what weapons Ukraine will receive

The United States does not plan to transfer Patriot systems to Ukraine, even those stationed in Poland. This was stated by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin during the 23rd Ramstein meeting in Brussels. While Washington is paying significant attention to strengthening Ukraine’s air defense, it will be through other means, such as interceptor missiles, Austin noted.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion, the Ramstein coalition has committed $98 billion to Ukraine. The plans of almost fifty partners to support Kyiv remain unchanged. Recently, Sweden announced its largest military aid package to Ukraine, amounting to $1.23 billion, including two airborne surveillance and control aircraft. Belgium has committed to delivering 30 F-16 fighters to Ukraine by 2028 and providing an additional $1 billion in military aid by the end of this year.

The main topics of the current Ramstein meeting are the supply of artillery and air defense systems, according to the TSN report.

How to strengthen Ukrainian air defense? The answer to this painful question for Ukrainians was sought today in Brussels, at the meeting of the contact group on the defense of Ukraine in the Ramstein format.

Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov held talks with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. The U.S. reaffirmed its determination to meet Ukraine’s urgent needs, including more air defense systems, weapons, and ammunition.

"During our meeting this morning, Ukrainian forces are engaged in heavy fighting in Kharkiv and other areas as the Kremlin continues its bombardment of Ukrainian cities and civilians. Ukraine urgently needs more air defense systems to protect its skies," Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin said.

Germany is providing Ukraine with a quarter of its Patriot systems. More cannot be offered, explained German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. Berlin is set to deliver one more Patriot system to Ukraine. We will have three German Patriots in total. Recently, Germany also delivered 30 missiles for these systems, with nearly 68 more to be delivered soon.

"If Germany can offer three Patriot systems, which constitutes a quarter of our capacity, then of course, others should be able to provide one. We continue to work on this. It doesn’t necessarily have to be Patriot systems. It could be other systems. Each one helps to protect the skies and security in Ukraine," Pistorius noted.

Canada plans to supply Ukraine with over 2,000 air-to-air missiles previously used by its air force, stated Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair in Brussels. He also promised that the first four of fifty armored vehicles will be sent to Ukraine this week, along with the first batches of drones – a total of 900 drones are planned to be delivered. Additionally, the use of Western weapons on Russian territory was discussed today.

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