Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to attend a high-level defence summit in Germany this Friday, as part of his ongoing campaign to secure further military aid in Ukraine’s fight against Russia, according to a report by Spiegel.
The meeting, which will take place at the US Air Force base in Ramstein, brings together defence ministers from Ukraine’s Western supporters to discuss further assistance. Zelensky’s visit, a last-minute addition to the agenda, is viewed as an indication of the urgency surrounding Ukraine’s need for more advanced weaponry, including long-range missiles and enhanced air defence systems.
The so-called Ramstein Contact Group, named after the location where these regular meetings have been held since the onset of the conflict, has become a key platform for coordinating military support for Ukraine. It includes representatives from NATO members and other nations committed to supporting Ukraine against the Russian invasion. While the group’s discussions typically have a working atmosphere, Zelensky’s presence is expected to heighten the political stakes of this particular session.
A Push for Critical Military Equipment
According to sources, Zelensky’s primary objective during this visit will be to underline the critical situation Ukraine faces and advocate for additional weapon deliveries. In particular, the Ukrainian president is expected to push for long-range missiles and stronger air defence systems, which are deemed essential for defending against the intensifying Russian airstrikes.
The war in Ukraine has seen ongoing requests from Kyiv for advanced military equipment from its Western allies. Although substantial support has already been provided, Zelensky continues to stress that more is needed to effectively counter Russia’s forces and protect Ukraine’s sovereignty. His request comes amid a growing need for air defence to protect cities from Russian drone and missile attacks, as well as long-range capabilities to strike back at Russian positions deep behind enemy lines.
Ukraine’s Defence Minister Rustem Umerov has been travelling across Europe and the United States for days, meeting with key allies to garner further support. His visit to Berlin on the eve of the Ramstein meeting included discussions with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. The primary topic of discussion was whether Germany could continue to supply weapons to Ukraine, despite internal budgetary constraints.
Concerns over US Political Developments
One of Ukraine’s major concerns is the potential change in the political landscape in the United States. Ukrainian officials fear that the country’s largest military supporter could reduce or even withdraw its assistance if former President Donald Trump returns to office after the November 2024 election. Trump has previously expressed scepticism about the scale of US involvement in Ukraine, raising doubts about the continuity of American support in a future administration led by him.
In contrast, the current Biden administration remains firmly committed to supporting Ukraine. During Umerov’s recent visit to Washington, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed this stance, pledging continued assistance in the form of air defence systems and other essential military equipment. Austin also condemned the recent Russian attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine, highlighting the need for ongoing efforts to bolster Ukraine’s defence capabilities.
The Biden administration’s strategy includes pushing for a significant upgrade to Ukraine’s air defences, which have been critical in countering Russia’s relentless missile and drone assaults. Despite concerns about a shift in US policy, officials in Kyiv remain hopeful that the Ramstein meeting will result in new pledges of support, particularly from European nations.
The Political Significance of Zelensky’s Visit
Zelensky’s decision to attend the Ramstein meeting in person is unusual and reflects the gravity of the situation on the ground in Ukraine. His participation also serves to highlight the importance of Western support in sustaining Ukraine’s military resistance. The visit is seen as a direct appeal to Ukraine’s allies to maintain and potentially increase their commitments at a time when the war has entered a prolonged and more complex phase.
The ongoing war has placed immense pressure on Ukraine’s military forces, and Zelensky is expected to make a strong case for the additional resources required to sustain operations on multiple fronts. While Ukraine has made significant advances in recapturing occupied territories, the war shows no signs of abating, with Russian forces continuing to launch attacks and intensify their bombardment of Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
For Western countries, Zelensky’s visit is also a reminder of the long-term nature of their involvement in Ukraine. The war has placed significant strain on European defence budgets, and internal debates continue in countries like Germany over how much more support can be provided without compromising domestic priorities.
Nevertheless, Zelensky’s presence in Ramstein underscores his resolve to secure the necessary resources to defend his country.
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