Zelenskyy: No one expects any alternative to Ramstein

Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)

Kyiv does not expect an alternative to the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (the Ramstein format) to emerge. It will continue its work, states Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a press conference with Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar.

The head of the Ukrainian state was asked whether anything could replace the Ramstein format and if Ukraine wanted that.

"No one is expecting any alternative. It will be an additional tool. That is, Ramstein will continue to work, and this is important for us. Over 50 countries are involved. And it's not just NATO countries. We cannot find an alternative in such broad representation," Zelenskyy replied.

He mentioned that NATO and Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg are offering Ukraine an additional powerful tool, which will not replace Ramstein. However, it is too early to discuss it.

According to Zelenskyy, this initiative involves a very important mechanism to ensure that the funds provided by partners for Ukrainian defense reach Ukraine.

What preceded

On June 14, Stoltenberg mentioned that NATO defense ministers had approved a plan to expand support for Ukraine. This plan includes coordinating the supply of weapons to Ukraine and training Ukrainian military personnel by NATO member countries.

Additionally, the NATO Secretary General recently proposed that Alliance countries establish long-term funding for aid to Ukraine. Under this initiative, member countries are to allocate 40 billion euros annually for military assistance to Ukraine.

Stoltenberg noted that there is no consensus among NATO countries on this issue. It is expected that leaders will address this matter at the Alliance summit in Washington, scheduled for July 9-11.

The Secretary General expressed hope that the heads of state will support his initiative, making aid to Ukraine more predictable.