President Volodymyr Zelenskyy participated in the ongoing Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. This marks his second offline participation, following his first visit in September.
This is also the final meeting for US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, who will be replaced by a nominee of incoming US President Donald Trump after 20 January.
In his opening remarks, Austin described Zelenskyy as “a leader who made history.” Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the United States for its support since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion and extended thanks to Germany’s Minister of Defence.
The president underscored the pivotal role of drone development and production in transforming the war.
“This year, Ukraine aims to set a record in the number and quality of drones produced and received,” Zelenskyy stated, urging all member countries to invest in Ukraine’s UAV production, which he noted is the largest in Europe.
He also called on allies to sign bilateral security agreements, emphasising their importance in bolstering the battlefield and protecting energy infrastructure.
“We must not forget that Moscow paid to kill your soldiers—American soldiers, NATO soldiers—in Afghanistan. Russian aggression continues,” Zelenskyy reminded participants, referring to broader security concerns linked to Russia’s destabilising activities globally.
- The Contact Group plans to approve a long-term plan to address Ukraine’s defence needs until at least 2027.
- The Defence Contact Group on Ukraine first convened in April 2022, bringing together defence ministers from allied nations to coordinate efforts against Russian aggression.