Official statements from Donald Trump or the U.S. government

Zelenskyy to Request Enhanced Air Defenses at Ramstein Air Base Meeting on Thursday, Austin to Attend

Jan 5, 2025, 02:18 PM

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced plans to request enhanced air defense capabilities from allies at an upcoming meeting in Germany. The meeting, scheduled for this week at Ramstein Air Base, will include participation from dozens of partner nations as part of the Ramstein group. Zelenskyy emphasized the need to strengthen defenses not only against missiles but also against guided bombs and Russian aviation. This request comes as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office later this month, having promised to swiftly end the nearly three-year conflict with Russia. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin will attend the Thursday meeting. The urgency of the request is underscored by the ongoing war's trajectory, which is not in Ukraine's favor, and the country's need for continued support from Western allies.