**Ukraine Defense Contact Group to Meet at NATO Headquarters**
Next week, the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, also known as the Ramstein format, will gather at NATO headquarters in Brussels. The meeting is scheduled for June 4th, and it marks a significant moment in the partnership between Ukraine and its allies.
**A Brief History of the Ramstein Format**
The Ukraine Defense Contact Group was established by the United States in April 2022, as Ukraine faced Russian aggression. The first meeting took place at Ramstein Air Base in Germany three years ago, bringing together 40 countries to support Ukraine. This format has continued to evolve, with leadership changing hands from the US to the UK and Germany.
**New Leadership and New Initiatives**
The UK and Germany will convene the next Ramstein meeting, marking a significant shift in leadership. Despite changes at the US administration level, the US remains an important participant in the Contact Group. At the previous meeting on April 11th, Germany and other countries created an “electronic warfare coalition” to support Ukraine.
**President Zelenskyy’s Call for Support**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed Ramstein participants from Kryvyi Rih, calling for the provision of 10 Patriot systems. The Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih on April 4th was a devastating attack that killed many children.
**NATO Defense Ministers to Meet Ahead of Leaders’ Summit**
The day after the Ramstein meeting, on June 5th, NATO defense ministers will gather at the Alliance’s headquarters to prepare for the bloc’s leaders’ summit in The Hague. This meeting marks an important step forward in Ukraine-NATO cooperation, with plans to establish a joint center focusing on defense analysis, training, and education.
**Commentary**
The continued commitment of the UK and Germany to lead the Ramstein format is a testament to their unwavering support for Ukraine. As the war continues, it’s essential that international partners maintain a united front in supporting Ukraine’s efforts to defend itself against Russian aggression.
**Deeper Analysis**
The establishment of the electronic warfare coalition at the previous meeting demonstrates the growing understanding among allies of the need to support Ukraine in its fight against modern warfare tactics employed by Russia. The creation of a joint center with NATO further underscores the importance of cooperation and information-sharing between Ukraine and its international partners.
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