Russia’s war of aggression: Last Ukraine meeting before Trump – uncertain phase begins

Western Ukraine supporters met for the last time before the change of power in the USA. The meeting at the US base in Ramstein in Rhineland-Palatinate marks the beginning of a phase of uncertainty, as it is not clear how strongly the United States under future US President Donald Trump will support the country attacked by Russia. Shortly before President Joe Biden left office, the USA once again promised military aid totaling 500 million US dollars (486 million euros) to Ukraine, which was attacked by Russia.

It could be the last aid package before Trump returns to the White House. According to his own statements, the Republican wants to quickly end the war that has been going on for almost three years. There are fears in Kiev and European capitals that Trump could cut aid to Ukraine in order to pressure it into negotiations with Moscow.

Because of these uncertainties, Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyj also came to Ramstein for consultations with around 50 supporting countries. At the meeting, the previous US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who had coordinated the Ramstein format since April 2022, said goodbye. “We must not stop now,” Austin appealed to the partners. “The coalition supporting Ukraine must not hesitate. It must not waver and it must not fail.” It’s about the survival of Ukraine.

Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) paid tribute to Austin. “Thank you for your extraordinary leadership over the past few years.” It now depends on everyone to keep this format alive.

Germany supplies more ammunition for anti-aircraft defense

Pistorius announced that Germany would support Ukraine in the short term with additional guided missiles for air defense systems of the type Iris-T. These were originally intended for the Bundeswehr, but are now being diverted directly from production to the Ukraine. Pistorius emphasized that Ukraine can rely on Germany – regardless of the outcome of the federal election on February 23rd.

Zelensky called on partners to support combat drone production in his country. The use of drones has changed warfare, he said. Ukraine is rapidly expanding its drone capabilities, which will help defend against Russian attacks. “Please invest in this strength of Ukraine,” Zelensky said. He also spoke about the possible production of US weapons under license in Ukraine.

He again asked for more anti-aircraft weapons – especially in view of devastating Russian air strikes like the one on Wednesday in Zaporizhzhia that left 13 dead. The allies would also have to cut off the Kremlin’s income with stronger sanctions against the Russian energy sector, said Zelensky. He also spoke out in favor of stationing troops from Western partner countries in Ukraine. He called this a suitable means “to force Russia to make peace.”

Best possible negotiating position for Ukraine

In Ramstein, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called for continued support for Ukraine against Russia. “We must do everything we can to ensure that Ukraine gets what it needs in terms of training and equipment to continue the fight and survive.”

It is crucial to put Ukraine in the best possible position so that it can at some point start negotiations on its own initiative, said the Dutchman. If negotiations do not have a good result, this will also be noticed in China, North Korea and Iran, Rutte warned, with a view to the fact that these countries could be strengthened by Russia’s success in Ukraine.

Austin: “Ukraine has chosen to fight”

The new US aid package, the 47th, includes anti-aircraft munitions, munitions and technical support for the F-16 fighter jets in Ukrainian service, Austin said. In the spring of 2022, Ukrainians’ defense preparedness brought the coalition of supporters together, the outgoing minister said. “The Ukrainian people have chosen to fight.”

Since then, “unimaginably large” military aid has been organized, which Russian President Vladimir Putin did not expect. The members of the contact group have pledged security support worth more than $126 billion (around €122 billion) over almost three years.

According to the Pentagon, the United States has provided military aid to Ukraine worth $65.9 billion since 2022. This makes you the largest single supporter of Ukraine, followed by Germany. A loss of weapons from the USA would be almost impossible for the Europeans to compensate for.

What happens next after Ramstein?

The Ramstein format has so far been the central coordination body for Ukraine military aid at government level. It is not certain whether this will continue under Trump. Austin didn’t want to speculate about that either. A larger role would be possible for the new NATO-Ukraine command NSATU (Nato Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine) in Wiesbaden. It was decided at the NATO summit in Washington in the summer of 2024. The center is intended to coordinate arms deliveries and the training of Ukrainian armed forces.

Until recently, this task was primarily carried out by the US armed forces. At the end of 2022, they set up a unit of around 300 soldiers called the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine at the European headquarters of the US armed forces in Wiesbaden.