US Defense Secretary to arrive at Ramstein Air Base on 7 January

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will arrive at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on 7 January to participate in the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, also known as the Ramstein format.

Source: US Department of Defense with reference to Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh

Details: Singh said that Austin's planned participation in the upcoming meeting is intended to "reaffirm our enduring commitment to Ukraine, together with defence ministers and military leaders from around the globe".

Quote from Singh: "Secretary Austin will focus on delivering practical and coordinated support that reinforces Ukraine's ability to defend itself today and deter [Russian – ed.] aggression in the future."

Details: Austin's participation in the upcoming Ramstein-format meeting follows the US Department of Defense's announcement on Monday, 30 December, that it would provide Ukraine with two aid packages totalling around US$2.5 billion.

Asked whether the new military aid package would be delivered to Ukraine in full before the current administration's term ends on 20 January, Singh explained that the "capabilities and equipment" included in the package are being transferred as "they are available".

Quote from Singh: "It's very likely that you are going to see more capabilities continue to flow to Ukraine post-this administration; that's very normal."

Background: 

• The media reported that a new Ramstein-format meeting had been scheduled for 9 January in Germany.
• Earlier, it was reported that an additional meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group might take place in December, with the option of high-level talks being discussed.
• The Ramstein format was established in 2022 to coordinate military support for Ukraine under the auspices of the United States. It brings together more than 50 countries, the vast majority of which are NATO members.
• Ukraine's Defence Minister has previously stated that he hopes to maintain the format of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group under Trump's presidency.
• NATO representatives do not see a significant chance that a change in the US administration will lead to the end of Ramstein.

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