Kyiv hosts latest gathering of defence contact group
The 29th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group — known as the Ramstein format — was held on 21 July in Kyiv, marking a significant shift as the format convened on Ukrainian soil for the first time since its inception. Co-chaired by the United Kingdom and Germany, the session brought together representatives from over 50 partner nations committed to supporting Ukraine’s defence against Russian aggression.
Record-breaking security assistance in 2025
According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence, the country has secured over €43 billion in security aid from its partners in 2025 — the largest annual total since the beginning of the full-scale war in 2022. The assistance includes advanced weapons, ammunition, and logistical support, with a growing share being procured through direct purchases of equipment from the United States. The scale of the commitment underscores continued allied resolve to bolster Ukraine’s defence capabilities amid ongoing Russian attacks.
Ukraine transitions from aid recipient to defence partner
Ukrainian officials emphasized that participation in the Ramstein format has evolved beyond receiving external aid. Ukraine is now an active co-producer in joint weapons manufacturing projects. This strategic shift reflects a maturing defence partnership model that not only accelerates arms deliveries but also strengthens Ukraine’s long-term industrial base.
Countering narratives of “Ukraine fatigue”
Each successive Ramstein-format meeting continues to directly challenge Russian disinformation campaigns claiming that the West is “tired of Ukraine” or planning to scale back assistance. On the contrary, defence cooperation is deepening. Partner states reiterated their long-term commitment, highlighting that Russian attempts to fracture allied unity have failed.
The Kyiv meeting, with its record-level pledges and symbolic location, sends a clear signal: Ukraine’s international partners remain focused on ensuring the country has the resources it needs — not just to defend itself today, but to prepare for a future beyond war.
