Zelenskyy Attends Crucial Ramstein Meeting, Seeking More Military Aid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on September 6 to attend a critical meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG). In a rare move, Zelenskyy is personally participating in the 24th UDCG gathering to lobby for faster and more comprehensive military aid deliveries from the group’s over 50 member countries, including all NATO members.

Ahead of the meeting, Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s urgent need for air defense capabilities to counter Russia’s intensifying aerial attacks, stating: “We need our partners’ determination and the means to stop Russia’s aerial terror.”

He also called for strong long-range weapon decisions from allies to help bring about a just peace.

In a show of support, the UK announced it would provide Ukraine with a package of 650 air defense missiles. Germany also revealed plans to deliver an additional 12 self-propelled howitzers to bolster Ukraine’s artillery capabilities.

After the UDCG meeting, Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Frankfurt. The Ukrainian leader will then travel to Italy to attend the Ambrosetti International Economic Forum and hold talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The Ramstein gathering comes at a critical juncture, with Russia intensifying its aerial bombardment of Ukrainian cities. Zelenskyy and Ukraine are pressing for faster deliveries of already promised weapons and seeking new long-range systems to strike back against Russian attacks.

The UDCG, also known as the “Ramstein Group”, has been coordinating military aid to Ukraine since its inception in April 2022. The group has grown from 41 to over 50 members, with the latest meeting expected to focus on Ukraine’s most urgent needs, particularly air defense.