What assistance did Ukraine receive at the 36th Ramstein-format meeting?
On Tuesday, September 8, the 36th meeting of the Contact Group on Ukrainian Defense took place in the “Ramstein” format, with the key outcome being the signing of contracts for the supply of approximately 1,000 missiles for Patriot systems.
This was reported by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense following remarks by Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mykhailo Drapatyi. The procurement process is being carried out thanks to financial support from international partners and funds from an EU loan.
Since the production of ammunition takes time, the Ukrainian side proposed an exchange mechanism: to receive missiles from allied stockpiles now to protect infrastructure before the cold weather sets in, and in return, to provide upgraded ammunition under future contracts. The Defense Forces also require urgent deliveries of air-to-air missiles and man-portable air-defense systems.
During his speech, Yevhen Khmara noted that Russia has been unable to achieve strategic success on the front lines due to Ukraine’s effective defensive tactics and the creation of a drone strike zone, where more than 30,000 occupiers are eliminated each month. At the same time, according to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia plans to mobilize an additional 300,000 soldiers by the end of the year and a similar number in 2027, in an attempt to turn the war into a contest of resources.
The Ukrainian delegation presented a War Plan that combines combat operations, human capital development, scaling up the defense-industrial complex, and financial projections. Of the 70 billion euros in security assistance promised by partners for this year, Ukraine currently expects to receive 62 billion euros. The head of the Defense Ministry called for a decision to allocate an additional 8 billion euros by November to cover the total defense shortfall of 23 billion euros and ensure a stable supply of drones to the front lines.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air defense with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara stated that the Ministry of Defense should procure for the army exactly what the troops on the front lines need. According to him, the main guideline for procurement should be the decision of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine regarding the necessary ammunition, drones, and other weapons.
