The Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG, also known as the Ramstein group[1][2]) is an alliance of 56 countries (all 32 member states of NATO and 24 other countries) and the European Union supporting the defence of Ukraine by sending military equipment in response to the 2022 Russian invasion.[3] The group coordinates the ongoing donation of military aid at monthly meetings.[4] A first meeting took place between 41 countries on 26 April 2022, and the coalition comprised 54 countries at the time of the 14 February 2023 meeting.[5] As of November 2023[update] reports of meetings usually state "more than 50" or "about 50" members.[6]
Meetings
At the 20 January 2023 meeting at Ramstein Air Base, leading to the group thereafter being referred to as the "Ramstein Group", the alliance supported sending heavy offensive weaponry to Ukraine, in support of a planned spring offensive.[7][8] The possible transfer of German made Leopard 2 main battle tanks from Poland was a sticking point at the January 2023 meeting and in bilateral discussions following this.[9] Germany continued to delay Leopard tank exports until 25 January 2023 when it announced it would provide 14 of its own Leopard 2A6 tanks in tandem with the United States providing 31 M1 Abrams tanks.[10] By 25 February, 71 Leopard 2 tanks had been formally committed for delivery to Ukraine from Germany (18), Portugal (3), Sweden (10), Poland (14), Spain (10), Norway (8), and Canada (8); the first four arrived in Ukraine on 24 February. Additionally, a joint German-Danish-Dutch initiative was announced on 7 February to supply 100–178 Leopard 1A5 tanks from FFG and Rheinmetall stocks.[11]
At the 14 February conference, the main topic of discussion was the transfer of modern fighter jets to Ukraine.[12] The two subsequent meetings included considering how to finance an increase in industrial capacity to sustainably replace ammunition and equipment sent to Ukraine into the future.[13]
The 11 October 2023 meeting took place after the 2023 Israel–Hamas war had started. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended, and was given assurances military aid would be sustained, although Zelenskyy acknowledged there was uncertainty. Zelenskiy emphasised the need for winter air defence.[14] NBC News later reported that officials at the meeting had begun confidential and delicate talks with the Ukrainian officials about what the broad outlines of possible peace negotiations might entail, according to two U.S. participants.[15]
The 23 January 2024 meeting concluded without any US funding, only from France, and Germany in the face of obstacles to funding in the US Congress.[16][17]
Meetings list
| Date | Location | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 26 April 2022 | Ramstein Air Base | [18] |
| 2 | 23 May 2022 | Virtual | [19] |
| 3 | 15 June 2022 | NATO headquarters | [20] |
| 4 | 20 July 2022 | Virtual | [21] |
| 5 | 8 September 2022 | Ramstein Air Base | [22] |
| 6 | 12 October 2022 | NATO headquarters | [23] |
| 7 | 16 November 2022 | Virtual | [24] |
| 8 | 20 January 2023 | Ramstein Air Base | [25][26] |
| 9 | 14 February 2023 | NATO headquarters | [27] |
| 10 | 15 March 2023 | Virtual | [28] |
| 11 | 21 April 2023 | Ramstein Air Base | [29][30] |
| 12 | 25 May 2023 | Virtual | [31] |
| 13 | 15 June 2023 | NATO headquarters | [32] |
| 14 | 18 July 2023 | Virtual | [33] |
| 15 | 19 September 2023 | Ramstein Air Base | [34] |
| 16 | 11 October 2023 | NATO headquarters | [35] |
| 17 | 22 November 2023 | Virtual | [6] |
| 18 | 23 January 2024 | Virtual | [36] |
| 19 | 14 February 2024 | NATO headquarters | [37] |
| 20 | 19 March 2024 | Ramstein Air Base | [38] |
| 21 | 26 April 2024 | Virtual | [39] |
Subgroups
Several subgroups or capability coalitions have been formed within UDCG:[40]
- air defence
- artillery
- de-mining
- drone
- fighter jet
- IT
Members and partners
The following is a list of nations/organizations confirmed to have had a representative attend at least one Contact Group meeting:
EU
NATO
Australia
Austria
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Cyprus
Georgia
Ireland
Japan
Kenya
Kosovo
Liberia
Malta
Moldova
New Zealand
South Korea
Tunisia
The following countries' participation in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group are not publicly confirmed, though they are confirmed to have provided military aid (lethal and non-lethal) to Ukraine:
Azerbaijan (provided mortars and aerial bombs)
Cambodia (provides de-mining training)[41]
Colombia (provides de-mining training)
Israel (provided anti-drone systems, counter-drone intelligence, and non-lethal aid such as helmets, flak jackets, etc.)[42][43] Israel has been unwilling to provide Ukraine with weapons.[44]
Jordan (provided rocket launchers and air defense missiles)
Morocco (provided 20 T-72 tanks)
Pakistan (provided artillery shells, rockets, and other ammunition)[41]
Sudan (provided 120mm mortar bombs and additional undeclared aid)
Taiwan (provided unmanned aerial vehicles)
NATO–Ukraine Council
NATO plans to invite Ukraine as an equal member into a new organization, the NATO–Ukraine Council.[45] This organization was announced at NATO's July 2023 summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.[45]