Russia launched nearly 500 drones on 21 July. The same day, Ukrainian allies announced 200,000 shells for the Gepard air defense system at the 29th meeting in the Ramstein format.
The US initiated the Ukraine Defense Contact Group’s meeting in the Ramstein format in 2022. Its purpose is to coordinate international military aid to Ukraine. The meetings bring together more than 50 countries, including NATO states and members of the Coalition of the Willing.
In addition, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, who took office on 17 July, stated that the US has initiated a new mechanism with NATO, allowing European countries to purchase American weapons specifically for Kyiv.
During the meeting, Germany announced it would contribute five Patriot systems, which will be delivered to Ukraine “soon.” Defense Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed he had agreed with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on supplying them, RBC-Ukraine reports. The Patriots are the only assets Ukraine has capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles.
Berlin is also supplying over 200,000 shells for the Gepard system and will fund the procurement of Ukrainian long-range drones.
“The parties will coordinate actions to achieve this goal in the coming days,” Pistorius added.
Other aid from allies:
- Canada: 20 million CAD for the maintenance of Ukrainian tanks + support via the Danish model.
- The Netherlands: €200 million for interceptor drones, €125 million for F-16 maintenance.
- Norway: €1 billion for drones in 2025, including €400 million for Ukrainian manufacturers.
- Sweden: Preparing a new package with air defense, artillery, and equipment.
This meeting was co-organized by the defense ministers of the United Kingdom and Germany, John Healey and Boris Pistorius. Representatives from 52 countries and international organizations participated in it.
Key guests included: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Christopher G. Cavoli, and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas.
According to Denys Shmyhal, the meeting was “more technical and coordination-focused,” concentrating on the procurement of American weapons for Ukraine.
He paid special attention to financial support: “Ukraine needs $6 billion to cover this year’s procurement deficit. This will enable us to create more FPV drones, more interceptor drones to counter ‘Shahed’ drones, and additional long-range weapons.”