Ramstein-4: Pentagon announces new meeting’s date and format

The fourth meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group will be held online on July 20

The Pentagon stated in a press release on its website, Rubryka reports.

It is precisely what US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov discussed during a telephone conversation.

"Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Ukrainian Minister of Defense Oleksii Reznikov to provide an update on US security assistance to Ukraine in support of their fight to defend their democracy, including a new $400 million package announced on July 8. Minister Reznikov provided an update on the situation on the ground. 

Secretary Austin and Minister Reznikov also discussed the agenda for the next Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) to be held virtually on July 20 and exchanged perspectives on the future of US and Allied assistance to Ukraine through the UDCG format. 

The leaders pledged to remain in close contact," the statement said.

What is this Ramstein format?

The Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) was created to assess Ukraine's defense needs and provide assistance. More than 35 countries joined it.

The first UDCG meeting took place on April 26 at the US Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany with the participation of 40 countries.

"This is a historic meeting. We, representatives of more than 40 countries, are here to help Ukraine overcome unjust russian aggression," Austin said. "Ukraine sincerely believes that it can win, and we all believe in that," the Pentagon chief added.

Therefore, at the Ramstein-2 meeting, which took place on May 23, Ukraine received confirmation about strengthening Ukraine's coastal defense.

The Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Oleksii Reznikov, reported that Harpoon anti-ship missiles would reinforce Ukraine's coast.

The third meeting in the Ramstein format took place in mid-June.

According to the meeting results, Germany, Canada, Slovakia, Poland, and the Netherlands announced the supply of additional weapons to Ukraine.

Defense Minister Reznikov reported the results: 

"Ramstein 3 Results: Georgia, Moldova, and Ecuador joined the club; more arms to be supplied by the USA (155 mm guns, HIMARS, Harpoons, and more); helicopters from Slovakia; artillery from Cabada, Poland, and the Netherlands; MLRS from Germany; … and something more.

Thank to all. The Ukrainian army is ready to use its new tools against evil forces."

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