Ukraine, UK set stage for key Ramstein defence talks in September

The 30th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in the Ramstein format has been officially scheduled for September 2025, Ukrainian Minister of Defence Denys Shmyhal announced following a phone conversation with UK Defence Secretary John Healey on August 13.

According to Shmyhal, the United Kingdom is actively involved in preparing and organizing the upcoming summit, Caliber.Az reports.

“The meeting will take place as early as September. We have coordinated the main positions. I thanked the United Kingdom for its active preparation and organization of the meeting,” the minister stated.

The upcoming Ramstein-format meeting is expected to focus on further alignment among Ukraine’s international partners, with a particular emphasis on strengthening defence cooperation. Discussions will include the expansion of joint initiatives within the defence-industrial sector, as well as setting strategic priorities for weapons deliveries and long-term planning of military aid to Ukraine.

This high-level meeting is a continuation of efforts to unify international support in response to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, with previous sessions serving as platforms for critical decisions on arms transfers and operational coordination. The 29th meeting, held on July 21, concentrated on securing advanced US Patriot missile systems, bolstering Ukraine’s long-range drone capabilities, and integrating new air defence technologies.

The meeting brought together representatives from 52 countries, primarily at the ministerial level, underscoring the global scale of Ukraine’s defence coalition. It also marked a key moment in Ukraine’s defence leadership transition, as Minister Shmyhal for the first time presented the government’s position since taking office, despite the presence of former Minister Rustem Umerov.

Topics addressed during the July meeting included long-term weapons support and new aid packages.

By Vafa Guliyeva