United to win: Argentina joins Ukraine Defense Contact Group

Argentina recently joined Ukraine's Defense Contact Group (UDCG) in the Rammstein format, which has around 50 participating countries. The group's main focus will be enhancing Ukraine's air defense capabilities and coordinating efforts for the "drone coalition."

US Defense Minister Lloyd Austin announced this during the opening of the meeting in the Rammstein format.

"Support for Ukraine is increasing. That's why I welcome Argentina's efforts as a new member of the Contact Group. I welcome you here today with us," the head of the Pentagon said.

It should be noted that today, June 13, the 23rd meeting in the format of "Ramstein" for Ukraine's aid is being held at the NATO headquarters in Brussels.

"Ramstein" will open a two-day program of ministerial meetings of the North Atlantic Alliance countries.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Quinton Brown Jr. traveled to Belgium on June 12 to chair the meeting.

The "Ramstein meeting" brings together the highest military officials from approximately 50 countries. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will attend the regular gathering. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov leads the Ukrainian delegation.

Schedule of negotiations

• Meeting of the Contact Group – June 13 at 12:00 (Kyiv's time);
• Speeches by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Defense Minister of Ukraine Rustem Umerov – 3:45 p.m.;
• Speeches by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin – 4:35 p.m.;
• Meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council – starting at 17:00;
• Press conference of Jens Stoltenberg – 19:00.

It is worth mentioning that the format of the Ukraine-NATO Council was created by the decision of the summit in Vilnius in the summer of 2023 as one of the steps toward Ukraine's joining the North Atlantic Alliance.

The Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, is present at the meeting.

The 23rd meeting of the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group (UDCG) will focus on opportunities to strengthen Ukraine's air defense, including Patriot installations and other systems.

"Air defense is a priority for Ukraine. It's what it needs, whether in the Patriot or other forms. So I'm sure this will be a topic of discussion at tomorrow's UDCG meeting," Deputy Spokesperson of the US Department of Defense, Sabrina Singh, said.

A meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council will also take place today.

For reference:

It is worth noting that Argentina began to support Ukraine more actively after the president's re-election. The country's new leader, Javier Milei, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and promised support. At Zelensky's request, Milei will also participate in the peace summit.

According to the Financial Times, Argentina handed over Mi-171E helicopters bought in Russia to Ukraine.

Also, according to the media, Argentina is discussing with France the transfer of Super Etendard aircraft to Ukraine, which are not used due to the British embargo.