IRIA News

7 minute read

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin chaired the 24th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which was attended by representatives from over 50 countries in Ramstein, Germany, on September 06, 2024. Ukraine’s defense needs remained the main topic of discussion during the meeting.

The gathering of Ukraine’s Western supporters continues to coordinate international military support for Ukraine amid its ongoing fight against Russia. The meeting aimed to assess the current situation on the battlefield, focusing on air defense systems, long-range weapons, and expediting military aid.

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the steady support Ukraine has received but highlighted the increasing urgency for more weapons to maintain pressure on Russian forces, particularly in the hotly contested Donetsk region.

“Each of you understands how important it is for a soldier to know that the frontline is not only based on a soldier’s loyalty to his country and his oath but also on a sufficient supply of weapons. That is why every support package that is announced must be promptly put to work on the battlefield – without any delay,” Zelenskyy stressed during the meeting.

Ukraine’s demand for long-range weapons

A key focus of the meeting was Zelenskyy’s plea for Western countries to permit Ukraine to use long-range weapons against Russian military targets, both within occupied Ukrainian territory and in Russia itself. Zelenskyy argued that this capability is critical to forcing Russia into meaningful peace negotiations.

“Now we hear that your long-range policy has not changed, but we see changes in the ATACMS, Storm Shadows, and Scalps – a shortage of missiles and cooperation,” said Zelenskyy, emphasizing the importance of using these systems against Russia. He added, “We need to have this long-range capability not only on the occupied territory of Ukraine but also on Russian territory so that Russia is motivated to seek peace.”

The use of long-range weapons has been a contentious issue among Ukraine’s Western allies, with concerns that striking targets within Russia could escalate the conflict further. Despite these reservations, Zelenskyy pointed out that these weapons could tip the balance in Ukraine’s favor, especially in light of Russia’s continued missile attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and civilians.

Additional US military support

The meeting with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin highlighted the United States’ continued leadership in military support. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the recent $250 million aid package announced by President Joe Biden but stressed the need for faster delivery of critical systems, particularly air defense.

“The world has enough air defense systems to ensure that Russian terror does not have results. I urge you to be more active in this work with us on air defense,” Zelenskyy remarked. He also advocated for more investment in Ukrainian weapons production, in a bid to bolster Ukraine’s long-term defense capabilities.

Austin and Zelenskyy reviewed the contents of the new aid package, focusing on air defense, pilot training for F-16s, and ways to accelerate the deployment of pre-approved military aid. The discussion underscored the need to expedite the delivery of these resources, especially in light of increasing Russian missile strikes.

Today, we announced additional security assistance for Ukraine. This package will surge more capabilities to meet Ukraine’s evolving requirements, to include additional support for Ukraine’s air defense and artillery needs. pic.twitter.com/C6tSpBgrUJ

— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) September 6, 2024

Meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

During his trip to Germany, Zelenskyy also held bilateral talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The two leaders discussed the evolving situation on the frontline and Germany’s ongoing military support for Ukraine.

Zelenskyy praised Scholz for Germany’s role in strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, stating, “Thank you that these supplies are permanent. It is very important. It is the foundation of our successful fight for Ukraine’s independence.”

Germany has been a key partner in Ukraine’s defense, delivering air defense systems, artillery, and tanks. Most recently, Germany committed to providing additional Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzers and Leopard 1A5 tanks, further enhancing Ukraine’s ground capabilities.

Beyond immediate military aid, the leaders explored the long-term implications of defense cooperation, including joint arms production. They also revisited the Peace Formula, which Zelenskyy first introduced, thanking Scholz for his participation in the inaugural Peace Summit. Discussions included progress on implementing the decisions made at the summit and preparation for the upcoming second summit.

Future military strategy

The meeting at Ramstein also provided a strategic platform for assessing the progress of Ukraine’s counteroffensive, which has been a challenging and costly campaign. Military analysts highlight that while Ukraine has made some territorial gains, Russian forces continue to pose a significant challenge, particularly with entrenched positions and heavy artillery in the eastern and southern regions.

The ongoing support from NATO allies is vital to sustaining Ukraine’s efforts, but military experts caution that without a significant increase in weapons and ammunition, particularly long-range systems, Ukraine’s ability to drive Russian forces out of occupied areas could be severely hampered. Zelenskyy’s call for immediate and substantial reinforcement reflects the urgency of the situation on the ground.

The 24th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group reiterated the importance of sustained international military assistance for Ukraine. As President Zelenskyy called for quicker delivery of weapons, additional long-range strike capability, and enhanced air defense systems, it is clear that Ukraine’s fight against Russia is entering a critical phase. As negotiations for further support continue, Ukraine’s ability to maintain its defense will depend heavily on the international community’s response.

The meeting also strengthened Ukraine’s bilateral ties with key allies, including Germany and the United States, as they discussed future security frameworks and arms production collaborations.

As part of the UDCG meeting in the Ramstein format, I met with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

We discussed the contents of the newly announced $250 million defense support package and other defense needs for Ukraine.

I am grateful for the clear position on continuing to… pic.twitter.com/0UyyLYJkgC

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 6, 2024