{{Short description|Defensive alliance against 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine}} {{pp-extended|small=yes}} {{Use British English|date=February 2025}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}} {{Infobox militant organization | name = {{big|Ukraine Defense Contact Group}}, {{nobold|UDCG}} | logo = Ukraine Defense Contact Group.svg | logo_size = 300px | caption = {{small|{{legend|#ffff1a|Ukraine ''(recipient)''}}}} UDCG participants: {{small|{{legend|#3e3eff|32 NATO member participants}}{{legend|#9595d5|24 Non-NATO member participants{{efn|Argentine is to be marked. It joined UDCG on 13 June 2024.<ref name=Argentina>{{cite news|title=Argentina becomes a new member of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group|author=Vadim Kushnikov|date=13 June 2024|access-date=8 November 2025|agency=Militarnyi|url=https://militarnyi.com/en/news/argentina-becomes-a-new-member-of-the-ukraine-defense-contact-group/|archive-date=12 November 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251112013013/https://militarnyi.com/en/news/argentina-becomes-a-new-member-of-the-ukraine-defense-contact-group/|url-status=live}}</ref> Sources confirm continued Argentine presence at all subsequent meetings up to the 29th session on July 21, 2025.}}}} <hr/>{{legend|#81ff81|Delivered Ukraine military aid ''(but not a participant)''}}}} | native_name = | native_name_lang = | other_name = Ramstein group | founders = 39 countries<ref name="39participants"/> | founding_leader = 28th US Secretary of Defence Lloyd&nbsp;Austin&nbsp;(chair&nbsp;till&nbsp;FEB&nbsp;2025) | leader1_title = Founding<br>directives | leader1_name = Non-treaty operationally flexible intern'l&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;military&nbsp;aid&nbsp;forum | leader3_title = Modus operandi | leader3_name = Members meetings | leader2_title = Foundation | leader2_name = {{start date|2022|4|26}},&nbsp;Ramstein&nbsp;Airbase | dates = <!-- {{Start date|YYYY|MM|DD}}–{{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} --> | dissolved = | merger = | split = | merged = | successor = | allegiance = | clans = {{ubl|4 working groups|led by NADs{{efn|National Armaments Directors (NADs) Working Groups, active since the September 2022 Brussels meeting, are Innovation, Production, Sustainment, and Ukraine Defense Industrial Base Support. {{as of|2025|11}}, 19 NAD meetings took place.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/joint-statement-19th-ukraine-defence-contact-group-national-armaments-directors |publisher=Ministry of Defence |date=4 November 2025 |title=19th Ukraine Defence Contact Group - National Armaments Directors: Joint Statement from the National Armaments Directors of Ukraine, Germany and the United Kingdom, co-chairs of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) |access-date=8 November 2025 |archive-date=5 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105202546/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/joint-statement-19th-ukraine-defence-contact-group-national-armaments-directors |url-status=live }}</ref>}}<ref name = "GOV">{{cite press release |url=https://www.war.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3897721/fact-sheet-on-efforts-of-ukraine-defense-contact-group-national-armaments-direc/ |title=Fact Sheet on Efforts of Ukraine Defense Contact Group – National Armaments Directors |date=6 September 2024 |access-date=26 August 2025 |publisher=US Department of Defense |via=war.gov |archive-date=6 September 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250906152132/https://www.war.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3897721/fact-sheet-on-efforts-of-ukraine-defense-contact-group-national-armaments-direc/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}} | leader4_title = Subgroups | leader4_name = 9&nbsp;capability&nbsp;coalitions{{efn|The purpose of each coalition is to “create a greater and more coherent plan, which will further the options for future support and co-funding”. Oversight is provided by the Capability Coalition Leadership Group.}} | motives = 2022&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;invasion | area = ''(recipient)''&nbsp;22px&nbsp;Ukraine | headquarters = ''Not established'' |ideology = |position = |slogan = | crimes = Military aid donations | status = Multinational coalition | size = 57 countries and EC{{efn|name=List}} | partof = {{hlist|Ukraine&nbsp;security&nbsp;guarantees&nbsp;design|AL, AU, CA, EU, GB, IE, JP, KR, ME, MK, NO, NZ, US sanctions, international sanctions during the Russian invasion of Ukraine aiming BY, RU|International sanctions against North Korea, Iran}} | allies = {{columns-list|colwidth=20em| {{Collapsible list|titlestyle = background:transparent;text-align:left;font-weight:normal; |title ='''''Participant&nbsp;nations:'''''{{efn|name=List|{{as of|2025|11}}, participation list is based on a country's representation in at least one meeting of the group. As per UDCG practice, member states (once admitted and formally welcomed) are considered "participants" unless specified otherwise.}} |{{flag|Albania}} |{{flag|Argentina}} |{{flag|Australia}} |{{flag|Austria}} |{{flag|Belgium}} |{{flag|Bosnia and Herzegovina}} |{{flag|Bulgaria}} |{{flag|Canada}} |{{flag|Croatia}} |{{flag|Cyprus}} |{{flag|Czechia}} |{{flag|Denmark}} |{{flag|Estonia}} |{{flag|Finland}} |{{flag|France}} |{{flag|Georgia}} |{{flag|Germany}} |{{flag|Greece}} |{{flag|Hungary}} |{{flag|Iceland}} |{{flag|Ireland}} |{{flag|Italy}} |{{flag|Japan}} |{{flag|Kenya}} |{{flag|Kosovo}} |{{flag|Latvia}} |{{flag|Liberia}} |{{flag|Lithuania}} |{{flag|Luxembourg}} |{{flag|Malta}} |{{flag|Moldova}} |{{flag|Montenegro}} |{{flag|Netherlands}} |{{flag|New Zealand}} |{{flag|North Macedonia}} |{{flag|Norway}} |{{flag|Poland}} |{{flag|Portugal}} |{{flag|Romania}} |{{flag|Slovakia}} |{{flag|Slovenia}} |{{flag|South Korea}} |{{flag|Spain}} |{{flag|Sweden}} |{{flag|Tunisia}} |{{flag|Turkey}} |{{flag|United Kingdom}} |{{flag|United States}} }}<hr> '''''Organizational&numsp;participants:'''''<br/>{{nobold|22px&nbsp;European&nbsp;Commission<br/>{{flagdeco|NATO}} NATO}}}}<hr>''Allied commands,<br/>mission, coalition force:'' {{small|{{hlist|{{flagdeco|US}} SAG-Ukraine|{{flagdeco|NATO}} NSATU|{{flagicon|EU}} EUMAM UA|MNF-U{{efn|Before 2025, IDCC (International Donor Coordination Centre), of more then 50 countries, under UK Brigadier command, since 2025 having handed over its responsibilities to NSATU, was UDCG ally.<ref name=OAR>{{cite report |url=https://media.defense.gov/2024/Nov/13/2003583230/-1/-1/1/OAR_Q4_SEP2024_FINAL_508.PDF |title=Special Inspector General for OAR Report to the Congress, Q4FY2024 |date=13 November 2024 |access-date=28 July 2025 |via=media.defence.gov |archive-date=30 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250730195330/https://media.defense.gov/2024/Nov/13/2003583230/-1/-1/1/OAR_Q4_SEP2024_FINAL_508.PDF |url-status=live }}</ref>{{rp|37 Table 14}}<ref name=OAR1>{{cite report |url=https://www.stateoig.gov/uploads/report/report_pdf_file/oar_q3_fy25_final_508.pdf |title=Special Inspector General for OAR Report to the Congress, Q3FY2025 |date=15 August 2025 |access-date=15 August 2025 |via=stateoig.gov |archive-date=28 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250828160304/https://www.stateoig.gov/uploads/report/report_pdf_file/oar_q3_fy25_final_508.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>{{rp|44 Table 10}} The 21 July 2025 UDCG extended meeting outlined joint NSATU–SAG-U efforts in the Ukraine response. EUMAM UA–NSATU coordination includes sharing information on Ukraine's training requirements and end-of-training reports.}}}}}}<hr>''Partner&nbsp;countries&numsp;&numsp;&numsp;(see&nbsp;§)'' | opponents = ''(per&nbsp;policy&nbsp;perception):''<ref name="OPPO"># {{cite web |title=Russia End State: BRINK (Belarus, Russia, Iran, and North Korea) Links? |first1=Jahangir E. |last1=Arasli |first2=Dmitry |last2=Gorenburg |first3=David |last3=Lewis |first4=Graeme P. |last4=Herd |url=https://www.marshallcenter.org/en/publications/clock-tower-security-series/strategic-competition-seminar-series-fy24/russia-end-state-brink-belarus-russia-iran-and-north-korea-links |work=The George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies |date=August 2024 |access-date=9 November 2025 |archive-date=15 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251115142233/https://www.marshallcenter.org/en/publications/clock-tower-security-series/strategic-competition-seminar-series-fy24/russia-end-state-brink-belarus-russia-iran-and-north-korea-links |url-status=live }} # {{cite web |work=Center for a New American Security |date=28 July 2025 |quote=Policymakers can no longer afford to view these countries as discrete threats but instead must understand—and disrupt—the growing connections among them. |url=https://www.cnas.org/publications/reports/the-axis-of-upheaval |title=The Axis of Upheaval: Gauging the Growing Military Cooperation Among Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea |first1=Nicholas |last1=Lokker |first2=Andrea |last2=Kendall-Taylor |access-date=9 November 2025 |archive-date=15 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251115181655/https://www.cnas.org/publications/reports/the-axis-of-upheaval |url-status=live }}</ref>{{hlist|{{flagdeco|BLR}} Belarus|{{flagdeco|IRI}} Iran|{{flagdeco|PRK}} North Korea|17px&nbsp;{{small|Armed&nbsp;Forces}},&nbsp;Russia{{efn|Military of the belligerent in the Russo-Ukrainian War linking together war-related activities of countries like Belarus, Iran, North Korea. The latter is a counterpart of the North Korean–Russian Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, a defense pact in force since December 4, 2024. Belarus, Iran, Russia, among others, are security partners within Shanghai Cooperation Organization.}}}} | module = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|Notes}} |{{notelist}}}} | module2 = {{collapsible list |title={{left|{{hlist|Timeline}}}} |{{Infobox Geopolitical organization | era = Russian invasion (UKR, ongoing&nbsp;for&nbsp;{{Age in days|day1=24|month1=2|year1=2022|day2=|month2=|year2=|duration=yes}}&nbsp;days) | conventional_long_name = Ramstein Group | linking_name = | name = {{lang|uk|Група «Рамштайн»}} {{small|''(Ukrainian)''}} | native_name = Ramstein–Gruppe {{small|''(German)''}} | image_map2=25th iteration of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base, Germany on 9 January 2025 - 3.jpg | map2_width = 300px | map_caption2 = {{small|Lloyd Austin speaks at 25th UDCG meeting, the last chaired by him, on 9 January 2025. Ramstein Air Base, Germany}} | life_span = {{start date|2022|4|26}} {{small|''(founded)''}}–present {{small|''(active)''}} | footnotes2 = {{center|{{URL|https://uamission.com/ukraine-defense-contact-group |'''Group website'''}}}} | admin_center_type = Meetings | admin_center = 31 as of NOV 2025 | today = NSATU–SAG-&nbsp;U planning sharing{{efn|Here’s a snapshot of the current NSATU–SAG-U joint efforts that were confirmed at the 21 July 2025 UDCG extended meeting: * US–NATO co‑funding mechanism (new channel announced by US president Donald Trump and Secretary General of NATO Mark Rutte for European and Canadian allies to pool funds to purchase US‑made weapons and technology for Ukraine providing faster access to high‑demand systems); * Air defense boost (packages of Patriot missile systems and other advanced air‑defense assets pledged by allies to counter Russia’s intensified missile and drone strikes); * Industrial and financial backing (long‑term funding streams to expand defense production capacity in Europe and North America to replenish stocks while sustaining Ukraine’s needs over multiple years).}} | org_type = Multinational coalition for military aiding | membership = Voluntary contributing nations by invitation | established = {{small|{{start date and age|26 April 2022}}}} | leader_title2 = German Federal Minister of Defence | leader_name2 =Boris Pistorius, since April 2025{{efn|Co-chairing meetings with John Healey.}} | leader_title1 = UK Secretary of State for Defence | leader_name1 =John Healey, since February 2025{{efn|Co-chairing meetings with Boris Pistorius since April 2025.}} | date_event4 = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|{{start date|2024|6|13}}{{efn|First LatAm-participated meeting}}}}|{{start date|2024|9|6}}/<br>{{start date|2025|1|9}}&nbsp;{{small|(last two SecDef-chaired){{efn|{{as of|2025|8}}.<ref name="GOV"/>}}}}|{{start date|2024|12|18}}}} | event4 = 23d UDCG meeting<br> ''(Argentina joined)'', BE<br />•&nbsp;24&nbsp;/&nbsp;25th&nbsp;UDCG meetings,&nbsp;Ramstein&nbsp;Air Base, DE-RP, Germany<br />• NSATU activation, DE | event5 = Second Trump presidency (current&nbsp;tenure) | date_event5 ={{start date|2025|1|20}}{{small|&nbsp;{{Age in days|day1=20|month1=1|year1=2025|day2=|month2=|year2=|duration=yes}}&nbsp;days}}→ {{end date|2029|1|20}}{{Age in years, months and days|day1=20|month1=1|year1=2029|day2=|month2=|year2=|duration=yes}}'&nbsp;time | date_event7 ={{collapsible list|title={{nobold|April&nbsp;11/{{start date|2025|6|4}}}}{{efn|First two meetings co-chaired by DE&GB.}}|{{start date|2025|6|24}}{{efn|Adopted with exemption of Spain at two-day 2025 The Hague NATO summit.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spain Claims Exemption After NATO Agrees 5% Spending Deal |agency=AFP |url=https://thedefensepost.com/2025/06/23/spain-exemption-nato-5-spending/ |website=The Defense Post |date=23 June 2025 |access-date=25 June 2025 |language=en-US}}</ref>}}|&nbsp;|May&nbsp;10&nbsp;/{{start date|2025|7|10}}{{efn|Mariinskyi Palace, Kyiv, Ukraine (chaired by president of Ukraine, in situ with leaders of France, Germany, Poland, and the UK, while others attending on-line) / Northwood HQ, GB-&nbsp;HIL, the UK (chaired by UK prime minister, in situ with Emmanuel Macron, president of France while in the UK on a state visit, first after Brexit. Other nations leaders, as well as U.S. senators Lindsey Graham (Rep.) and Richard Blumenthal (Dem.), retired Lt.Gen. Keith Kellogg, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, attended on-line).<ref name=APnews>{{cite web |work=APnews |title=European allies step up plans for future Ukraine stabilization force, with US attending meeting |first=Icole |last=Winfiel |date=11 July 2025 |url=https://apnews.com/article/italy-russia-ukraine-force-zelenskyy-meloni-9965c674d67ed64c372c8eac21ee32a7 |access-date=13 July 2025 |archive-date=12 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250712232127/https://apnews.com/article/italy-russia-ukraine-force-zelenskyy-meloni-9965c674d67ed64c372c8eac21ee32a7 |url-status=live }}</ref>}}}} |year_end = | event7 = 27 / 28th UDCG meetings, NATO HQ<br />• NATO Hague Summit Declaration agreeing to 5% defence spending by 2035<ref>{{cite web |title=The Hague Summit Declaration |url=https://www.nato.int/en/about-us/official-texts-and-resources/official-texts/2025/06/25/the-hague-summit-declaration |website=Official texts and resources {{!}} NATO |publisher=nato.int |access-date=31 December 2025 |location=The Hague |language=en |date=25 June 2025 |archive-date=13 January 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260113002801/https://www.nato.int/en/about-us/official-texts-and-resources/official-texts/2025/06/25/the-hague-summit-declaration |url-status=live }}</ref><br/>• 5 / 6th CoW mtngs (leaders), UA / GB | date_event3 = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|{{start date|2022|10|17}}{{efn|In Kortenberg building, Brussels, Belgium.}}}}|{{start date|2022|11|4}} {{small|''(incl. SAG Ops. Kyiv)''{{efn|In Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden-Erbenheim, Wiesbaden, Hesse, Germany.}}}}|{{start date|2023|2|14}} {{small|(''54&nbsp;countries&nbsp;present''){{efn|{{as of|2025|8}}, maximum country member participation since establishment.}}}}|{{start date|2023|7|12}}<br>{{small|LITEXPO, Vilnius<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/nato-ukraine-council-meets-wednesday-zelenskiy-2023-07-23/ |title=NATO-Ukraine Council Meets Wednesday, Zelenskyy says |date=23 July 2023 |access-date=21 July 2025 |website=Reuters.com |archive-date=12 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212121259/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/nato-ukraine-council-meets-wednesday-zelenskiy-2023-07-23/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}}}} | event3 = EUMAM UA&nbsp;intact (EU mission)<br />•&nbsp;SAG-&nbsp;U&nbsp;intact,&nbsp;DE (US command)<br />• 9th UDCG meeting<br>NATO&nbsp;HQ,&nbsp;BE-BRU<br />•&nbsp;UKR-NATO Council inaugural&nbsp;summit,&nbsp;LT | date_event6 = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|February 12, 2025{{efn|In NATO HQ, Haren, City of Brussels, BE-&nbsp;BRU}}}}|{{start date|2025|2|12}}|&nbsp;|{{start date|2025|2|17}}{{efn|In Elysee Palace, Paris}}|&nbsp;|{{start date|2025|2|28}}|&nbsp;|{{start date|2025|03}}, {{small|DE-HE}}|&nbsp;|{{start date|2025|3|2}}|&nbsp;|{{start date|2025|3|4}}{{efn|Unveiled; Canada joined later)<ref>{{cite web |title=Read the full throne speech delivered by King Charles |date=27 May 2025 |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/full-throne-speech-1.7544999 |access-date=2025-05-31 |website=CBC News |archive-date=27 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250527225032/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/full-throne-speech-1.7544999 |url-status=live }}</ref>}}|&nbsp;|March&nbsp;15/27,&nbsp;2025{{efn|Virtual meeting (chaired by UK prime minister) / Elysee Palace, Paris, France}}|&nbsp;|{{start date|2025|4|10}}}} | event6 = 26th UDCG meeting<br> ''(first GB-chaired),'' BE<br />• Putin-Trump call<br>''(their first in 2025)''<br/>•&nbsp;Weimar+ Summit ''(inaugural)'',&nbsp;FR<br />•&nbsp;Trump–Zelensky meeting, US-DC, US<br />•&nbsp;Ukraine mission<br>''(at FOC)'', DE<br />•&nbsp;1st CoW Summit<br>London, GB<br />•&nbsp;EU Readiness 2030&nbsp;defence&nbsp;initiative<br />• 2 / 3d CoW mtngs (leaders), GB / FR<br />• 4th CoW meeting, BE<br>(ministers, NATO HQ) | date_event8 = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|{{start date|2025|7|21}}}}{{efn|Meeting included ''i.a.'', Secretary General of NATO, SACEUR, extending non-country participation since previous meetings.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-nato-trump-weapons-1284699f9fbcf5157c43dc88ad6994f7 |first=Emma |last=Burrows |date=21 July 2025 |title=High-level talks held on support for Ukraine a week after Trump said Europe will pay for weapons |work=APnews |access-date=21 July 2025 |archive-date=21 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250721055311/https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-nato-trump-weapons-1284699f9fbcf5157c43dc88ad6994f7 |url-status=live }}</ref>}}|{{start date|2025|7|23}}&nbsp;{{small|(shortest&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Istanbul&nbsp;three:&nbsp;''40min.''){{efn|Initial three 2025 meetings in Istanbul since 29 March 2022 (first round of Russia-Ukraine Istanbul talks): the first held on 16 May, and second on 2 June.<ref> *{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-ukraine-discuss-more-pow-swaps-no-deal-ceasefire-or-leaders-meeting-2025-07-23/ |title=Russia, Ukraine discuss more POW swaps; no deal on ceasefire or leaders' meeting | work=Reuters |first1=Mert |last1=Ozkan |first2=Emin |last2=Caliskan |date=23 July 2025 |access-date=24 July 2025}} *{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-russia-attack-each-others-black-sea-coasts-after-latest-round-peace-2025-07-24/ |title=Ukraine, Russia attack each other's Black Sea coasts after latest round of peace talks |publisher=Reuters.com |via=Reuters |date=24 July 2025 |access-date= 24 July 2025}}</ref>}}}}|{{start date|2025|08|13}}{{efn|First meeting co- chaired by DE&FR&GB: Germany (in situ with Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine), France (in situ with Antonio Costa, president of the European Council), and the UK, attending on-line with other nations leaders, US vice-president JD Vance.<ref name=UK08>{{cite press release |author1=Prime Minister's Office |last2=Starmer |first2= Keir |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/statement-of-the-co-chairs-of-the-coalition-of-the-willing-13-august-2025 |via=GOV.uk |title= Statement of the Co-chairs of the Coalition of the Willing: 13 August 2025 |date= 13 August 2025 |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref> Japan formally joined coalition by participating in its meeting for the first time.}} /August&nbsp;17/19,&nbsp;2025{{efn|On 17 and 19 August virtually co-chaired by France and the UK with others attending on-line.<ref name=UK08a>{{cite press release |title=Statement of the Co-chairs of the Coalition of the Willing: 17 August 2025 |date=17 August 2025 |access-date=18 August 2025 |author1=Prime Minister's Office |first2=Keir |last2=Starmer |via=GOV.uk |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/statement-of-the-co-chairs-of-the-coalition-of-the-willing-17-august-2025 |archive-date=18 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250818010029/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/statement-of-the-co-chairs-of-the-coalition-of-the-willing-17-august-2025 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=UK08b>{{cite press release |title=PM virtual meeting with the Coalition of the Willing: 19 August 2025 |date=19 August 2025 |access-date=19 August 2025 |author1=Prime Minister's Office |first2=Keir |last2=Starmer |via=GOV.uk |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-virtual-meeting-with-the-coalition-of-the-willing-19-august-2025 |archive-date=19 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819135636/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-virtual-meeting-with-the-coalition-of-the-willing-19-august-2025 |url-status=live }}</ref>}}|&nbsp;|{{start date|2025|08|15}}{{efn|At JBER military base, USA/USAF, roughly 11 miles from downtown Anchorage.}}|&nbsp;|{{start date|2025|08|18}}{{efn|Second US-Ukraine summit during second Trump presidency. In a separate session, it was joined by one of EU leaders, and 5 heads of member states of NATO with its Secretary General.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.war.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4278050/trump-zelenskyy-world-leaders-meet-at-white-house-to-negotiate-peace-deal/ |title=Trump, Zelenskyy, World Leaders Meet at White House to Negotiate Peace Deal |date= 18 August 2025 |first2=C. Todd |last2=Lopez |author=DOD News |publisher=US Department of Defense |access-date= 19 August 2025 |via=Defense.gov}}</ref>}}|&nbsp;|{{start date|2025|8|29}}{{small|<ref>{{cite news |title=Witkoff meets Ukraine officials in New York ahead of emergency UN Security Council meeting: 'Very productive' |first=Brooke |last=Singman |date=29 August 2025 |access-date=31 August 2025 |work=Fox News |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/witkoff-meets-ukraine-officials-new-york-ahead-emergency-un-security-council-meeting-very-productive |archive-date=30 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250830071110/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/witkoff-meets-ukraine-officials-new-york-ahead-emergency-un-security-council-meeting-very-productive |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/4030951-meeting-with-witkoff-was-very-constructive-kyslytsya.html |title=Meeting with Witkoff was very constructive – Kyslytsya |date=29 August 2025 |access-date=31 August 2025 |work=Ukrinform |archive-date=29 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250829204718/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/4030951-meeting-with-witkoff-was-very-constructive-kyslytsya.html |url-status=live }}</ref>}}|{{start date|2025|9|2}} {{small| (emergency, UA-requested)}}|September&nbsp;3/4,&nbsp;2025 {{small|(''all 33 members represented for the first time ever'')<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reutersconnect.com/item/france-hosts-coalition-of-the-willing-meeting-on-support-to-ukraine/dGFnOnJldXRlcnMuY29tLDIwMjU6bmV3c21sX1JDMjJMR0FQWUVWVA|author=Ludovic Marin |title=France hosts 'Coalition of the Willing' meeting on support to Ukraine |date=4 September 2025 |access-date=22 September 2025 |via=Reuters}}</ref>}}}} | event8 = 29th&nbsp;UDCG&nbsp;meeting ''(virtual extended)''<br />•&nbsp;3d&nbsp;RUS–UKR Istanbul&nbsp;talks,&nbsp;TR<br />•&nbsp;7&nbsp;/&nbsp;8&nbsp;/&nbsp;9th&nbsp;CoW meetings&nbsp;(leaders), DE&nbsp;/&nbsp;two&nbsp;virtual<br />•&nbsp;US-Russia summit, Alaska<br />• US-Ukraine/CoW summit, US-DC<br />• Ukraine-US consultations,&nbsp;NY<br />•&nbsp;NATO-Ukraine Council&nbsp;mtng,&nbsp;BE<br/>•&nbsp;X&nbsp;/&nbsp;XI&nbsp;CoW&nbsp;mtngs (ministers/leaders) NATO&nbsp;HQ/Paris,&nbsp;FR | event9 = XXX/31st UDCGs ''GB/NATO HQ''<br/>• Trump-Zelensky meeting, ''UN HQ''<br/>• Trump-Zelensky phone calls, meeting, ''US-DC''<br />• XII/XIII CoW mtngs (leaders/directors) London,&nbsp;GB/Madrid,&nbsp;SP | date_event9 = {{start date|2025|9|9}} /{{start date|2025|10|15}}{{small|<ref> #{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/hegseth-urges-allies-boost-spending-us-weapons-kyiv-2025-10-15/ |title=Hegseth warns Moscow US will 'impose costs' if Ukraine war does not end |first1=Andrew |last1=Gray |first2=Sabine |last2=Siebold |date=15 October 2025 |work=Reutets |access-date=16 October 2025}} #{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-needs-up-20b-us-weapons-through-nato-programme-defence-minister-says-2025-10-15/ |title=Ukraine needs up to $20b in U.S. weapons through NATO programme, defence minister says |work=Reuters |date=15 October 2025 |access-date=16 October 2025}}</ref>}}<br />{{start date|2025|9|23}} {{small|(80th UNGA session)<ref>{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-un-zelenskyy-trump-f28942b3915e40226654548bb3ee7919 |first1=Matthew |last1=Lee |first2=Aamer |last2=Madhani |first3=Illia |last3=Novikov |date=24 September 2025 |title=Trump says he now believes Ukraine can win back all territory lost to Russia with NATO's help |access-date=24 September 2025 |work=APnews |archive-date=23 September 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250923233449/https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-un-zelenskyy-trump-f28942b3915e40226654548bb3ee7919 |url-status=live }}</ref>}}<br />October&nbsp;11/12,&nbsp;2025{{small|<ref> #{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-intelligence-helps-ukraine-target-russian-energy-infrastructure-ft-reports-2025-10-12/|title=US intelligence helps Ukraine target Russian energy infrastructure, FT reports |work=Reuters |access-date=12 October 2025 |date=12 October 2025}} # {{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/ukraines-zelenskiy-discussed-strengthening-kyivs-air-defence-with-trump-2025-10-12/|title=Ukraine's Zelenskiy discussed strengthening Kyiv's air defence with Trump |work=Reuters |date=12 October 2025 |access-date=12 October 2025 }}</ref>}}<br />{{start date|2025|10|17}} {{small|''(their third summit in STP)''<ref> # {{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/zelenskiy-goes-trump-more-support-ukraine-war-escalates-2025-10-16/ |work=Reuters |title=Zelenskiy goes to Trump for more support as Ukraine war escalates |first1=Tom |last1=Balmforth |first2=Dan |last2=Peleschuk |date=16 October 2025 |access-date=17 October 2025}} # {{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/key-moments-trump-zelenskiy-leaders-meet-again-washington-2025-10-17/ |access-date=17 October 2025 |title=Trump-Zelenskiy key moments since 2019 |work=Reuters |date=17 October 2025 }}</ref>}}<br />{{start date|2025|10|25}}<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/european-leaders-issue-statement-backing-trumps-ukraine-ceasefire-position-2025-10-21/ |title=European leaders back Trump's call for Ukraine ceasefire at present lines |date=21 October 2025 |access-date=21 October 2025 |work=Reuters |archive-date=24 October 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251024015226/https://www.reuters.com/world/european-leaders-issue-statement-backing-trumps-ukraine-ceasefire-position-2025-10-21/? |url-status=live }}</ref> {{start date|2025|11|4}}<ref># {{cite news |url=https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/ukraine-s-mfa-comments-on-coalition-of-the-1761923367.html |work=RBC Ukraine |first=Daryna |last=Vialko |title=Ukraine's MFA comments on Coalition of the Willing meeting in Spain |date=31 October 2025 |access-date=1 November 2025 |archive-date=1 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251101002526/https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/ukraine-s-mfa-comments-on-coalition-of-the-1761923367.html |url-status=live }} # {{cite news|url=https://euroweeklynews.com/2025/11/02/madrid-to-host-key-ukraine-coalition-of-the-willing-summit/|publisher=Euro Weekly News|first=Harry|last=Dennis|title=Madrid to host key Ukraine 'Coalition of the Willing' Summit|date=2 November 2025|access-date=8 November 2025|archive-date=2 November 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251102222750/https://euroweeklynews.com/2025/11/02/madrid-to-host-key-ukraine-coalition-of-the-willing-summit/|url-status=live}}</ref> | event_start = SecDef&nbsp;'''Ukraine&nbsp;Defence Contact Group''' {{small|(UDCG)}} announcement | year_start = {{start date|2022|4|24}}&nbsp;{{small|(''in Kyiv, on visit with US Secretary of State'')}}{{efn|As ''Defense Consultative Meeting in Germany''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.state.gov/secretary-blinken-and-secretary-austins-travel-to-ukraine/ |via=Office of the Spokesperson |website=State.gov/ |title=Secretary Blinken and Secretary Austin's Travel to Ukraine|date=25 April 2022|access-date=24 June 2023 |archive-date=28 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528073242/https://www.state.gov/secretary-blinken-and-secretary-austins-travel-to-ukraine/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>}} | image_map= | map_caption=}}}} | module3 = {{left|'''{{small|UDCG • EU • NATO}}<br/>joint efforts'''}} {{center|&numsp;EUMAM UA/NSATU–UDCG<br>military planning sharing {{efn|The 21 July 2025 UDCG extended meeting outlined joint NSATU–SAG-U efforts in the Ukraine response. EUMAM UA–NSATU coordination includes sharing information on Ukraine's training requirements and end-of-training reports.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/military-options-ukraine-discussed-by-us-european-national-security-advisers-2025-08-21/ |title=Exclusive: Military options for Ukraine discussed by US, European national security advisers |first1=Idrees |last1=Ali |first2=Jonathan |last2=Landay |date=22 August 2025 |access-date=22 August 2025 |work=Reuters |archive-date=22 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250822153439/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/military-options-ukraine-discussed-by-us-european-national-security-advisers-2025-08-21/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}}}} | module4 = {{left|'''Coalition<br/>pledges<br/>'''}}{{center|&numsp;Firm Ukraine defense and security commitment politically, and cautiously operating militarily}} | module5 = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|{{small|Footnotes}}}}|{{notelist}}}} }} The '''Ukraine Defense Contact Group''' ({{abbr.}} '''UDCG''', also known as the '''Ramstein group''')<ref>{{Cite news|author=Bloomberg News|date=12 February 2023|title=Ukraine Latest: G-7 Foreign Ministers Plan to Meet in Munich |website=Bloomberg|url-access=subscription|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-12/ukraine-latest-defense-chiefs-speak-ahead-of-ramstein-meeting |access-date=9 March 2023|archive-date=24 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224121948/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-12/ukraine-latest-defense-chiefs-speak-ahead-of-ramstein-meeting |url-status=live }}</ref> is an alliance of 57 countries (all 32 member states of NATO and 25 other countries) and the European Union supporting the defence of Ukraine by sending military equipment in response to the 2022 Russian invasion.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|author=ISW Press|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 14, 2023 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-14-2023|date=14 February 2023|access-date=17 February 2023|publisher=Institute for the Study of War|language=en |archive-date=5 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605205307/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-14-2023 |url-status=live }}</ref> The group coordinates the ongoing donation of military aid at monthly meetings.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Seligman |first1=Lara |last2=McLeary |first2=Paul |title=The little-known group that's saving Ukraine |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/05/01/austin-defense-meetings-weapons-ukraine-00089946 |website=Politico|location=Ramstein Air Base|access-date=14 May 2023 |date=1 May 2023 |archive-date=3 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503093911/https://www.politico.com/news/2023/05/01/austin-defense-meetings-weapons-ukraine-00089946 |url-status=live }}</ref> A first inaugural meeting took place on 26 April 2022, which was attended by 39<ref name="39participants">{{cite news|author=C. Todd Lopez|url=https://www.war.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3010789/austin-meets-with-nations-to-intensify-support-for-ukraine/|title=Austin Meets With Nations to Intensify Support for Ukraine|access-date=10 November 2025|publisher=Department Of Defense News (official website of the United States Government)|quote="In a forum hosted today in Germany by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, nearly 40 nations met to discuss current and future efforts to provide support for Ukraine in maintaining its sovereignty."|date=26 April 2022|archive-date=19 December 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251219051237/https://www.war.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3010789/austin-meets-with-nations-to-intensify-support-for-ukraine/|url-status=live}}</ref> out of 44 invited countries.<ref name="Israel"/><ref name="Morocco">{{cite news|author=Safaa Kasraoui|title=US Invites Morocco to Ukraine Defense Summit in Germany|url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/04/46912/us-invites-morocco-to-ukraine-defense-summit-in-germany/|access-date=10 November 2025|newspaper=Morocco World News|date=27 April 2022|archive-date=22 July 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250722141058/https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2022/04/46912/us-invites-morocco-to-ukraine-defense-summit-in-germany/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="44invited">{{cite news|author=Aaron Mehta|title=From Jordan to Japan: US invites 14 non-NATO nations to Ukraine defense summit|url=https://breakingdefense.com/2022/04/from-jordan-to-japan-us-invites-14-non-nato-nations-to-ukraine-defense-summit/|access-date=10 November 2025|newspaper=Breaking Defence|date=25 April 2022|archive-date=4 October 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251004130334/https://breakingdefense.com/2022/04/from-jordan-to-japan-us-invites-14-non-nato-nations-to-ukraine-defense-summit/|url-status=live}}</ref> Representatives from Israel and Qatar were present at the table of the inaugural meeting, but did not appear on the official list of attendees,<ref name="wapo1">{{cite news |last1=DeYoung |first1=Karen |last2=Timsit |first2=Annabelle |title='Putin never imagined' global rally of Ukraine support, defense secretary says |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/04/26/austin-putin-ukraine-support-military-russia/ |access-date=1 May 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=26 April 2022 |archive-date=26 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426214611/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/04/26/austin-putin-ukraine-support-military-russia/ |url-status=live }}</ref> despite several official media reports confirming their participation.<ref name="Israel">{{cite news|author=Anna Ahronheim|title=Israel taking part in US-led Ukraine defense summit|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-705155|access-date=10 November 2025|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|date=26 April 2022|archive-date=11 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011064259/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-705155|url-status=live}}</ref> The coalition comprised 54 countries at the time of the 14 February 2023 meeting<ref name="UDCG-Feb2023">{{cite web|url=https://www.war.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3298311/austin-contact-group-continues-stand-with-ukrainian-people/|title=Austin: Contact Group Continues Stand With Ukrainian People|date=14 February 2023|publisher=U.S. Department of Defense|last=Garamone|first=Jim|access-date=23 February 2023|archive-date=23 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223073508/https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3298311/austin-contact-group-continues-stand-with-ukrainian-people/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the same number at the 11 October 2023 meeting.<ref name="UDCG-Oct2023">{{cite web|author=DW News|url=https://www.dw.com/en/pro-ukraine-alliance-pledges-more-military-aid/a-67071924|title=Pro-Ukraine alliance pledges more military aid|date=11 October 2023|website=DW News|quote="The UDCG includes all 31 NATO member states alongside 23 further nations in support of Ukraine such as Australia, Japan, Pakistan, Kenya and Cambodia"|access-date=1 January 2024|archive-date=1 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101052650/https://www.dw.com/en/pro-ukraine-alliance-pledges-more-military-aid/a-67071924|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2023|11}}, reports of meetings usually stated "about 50" members<ref name= 17thUdcg>{{cite news|author=Ukrainska Pravda|date=22 November 2023|title=Pentagon chief opens Ramstein meeting and calls for Ukraine's air defence to be strengthened|url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/11/22/7429892/|website=Ukrainska Pravda|access-date=12 February 2025|language=en-UK|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122202458/https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/11/22/7429892/|archive-date=22 November 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> or "more than 50" members.<ref name="UDCGmeeting31">{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-ok_eGGa-Msi=4E5Da2-HOB90yKYv&t=272|title=Joint press conference following the meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, 15 October 2025|date=15 October 2025|people=Remarks by the Secretary of Defence of the United Kingdom|access-date=8 November 2025|via=YouTube|medium=YouTube video|archive-date=11 November 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251111004443/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-ok_eGGa-Msi=4E5Da2-HOB90yKYv&t=272|url-status=live}}</ref> No official member list exists for the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, but a membership is assumed whenever a country participated in at least one of its meetings.

== Formation, founding directives, participation ==

Following the initial formation - after direct orders from Secretary Austin - Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Dr. William LaPlante, was tasked with organizing and regularly convening the forum of National Armaments Directors (NADs) under UDCG auspices. The purpose was to rapidly accelerate and synchronize delivery, production, and sustainment of vital military capabilities.<ref name=Defense>{{cite web |via=Defense.gov |title=National Armaments Directors Meet in Support of Ukraine |publisher=US Department of Defense |first=Matthew |last=Howard |url=https://www.war.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3540187/national-armaments-directors-meet-in-support-of-ukraine/ |date=27 September 2023 |access-date=1 September 2025 |archive-date=7 September 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250907121057/https://www.war.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3540187/national-armaments-directors-meet-in-support-of-ukraine/ |url-status=live }}</ref> As UDCG is not a treaty-based entity, membership status is conferred by representation at group meetings. {{as of|2025|11}}, Argentina was the latest country that joined UDCG in June 2024.<ref name=Argentina/>

==Meetings== thumb|Inaugural Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting on 26 April 2022 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Soltys |first=Dennis |date=22 January 2023|title=The West Isn't Scared of Ukraine Beating Russia Anymore |url=https://www.19fortyfive.com/2023/01/the-west-isnt-scared-of-ukraine-beating-russia-anymore/ |access-date=23 January 2023|website=19FortyFive |archive-date=6 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606204249/https://www.19fortyfive.com/2023/01/the-west-isnt-scared-of-ukraine-beating-russia-anymore/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="interfax">{{cite news|author=Interfax-Ukraine|author-link=Interfax-Ukraine|date=8 January 2023|title=Next Ramstein Format Meeting on Defense of Ukraine on Jan. 20|url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-14-2023|access-date=13 February 2025|website=Kyiv Post|language=en-UK|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108092102/https://www.kyivpost.com/post/6516|archive-date=8 January 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Tim |date=2023-01-20 |title=Ukraine Contact Group meeting caps off deluge of new arms pledges, but no German Leopards |url=https://breakingdefense.sites.breakingmedia.com/2023/01/ukraine-contact-group-meeting-caps-off-deluge-of-new-arms-pledges-but-no-german-leopards/ |access-date=2023-01-23 |website=Breaking Defense}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jordans |first=Frank |date=25 January 2023|title=U.S. to send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine as Germany breaks Leopard deadlock |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9434811/germany-approves-leopard-tanks-for-ukraine/ |access-date=26 February 2025|website=Global News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406032658/https://globalnews.ca/news/9434811/germany-approves-leopard-tanks-for-ukraine/|archive-date=6 April 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marcus |first=Anthony |date=8 February 2023|title=Germany announces supply of 178 Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine |url=https://eurasiabusinessnews.com/2023/02/08/germany-announces-supply-of-178-leopard-1-tanks-to-ukraine/ |access-date=26 February 2023|website=Eurasia Business News |archive-date=26 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226093936/https://eurasiabusinessnews.com/2023/02/08/germany-announces-supply-of-178-leopard-1-tanks-to-ukraine/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

At the 14 February conference, the main topic of discussion was the transfer of modern fighter jets to Ukraine.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Karesh |first=Steve |date=14 February 2023|title=FLASHPOINT UKRAINE: The Ukraine Defense Contact Group Meeting Gets Under Way |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/flashpoint-ukraine-the-ukraine-defense-contact-group-meeting-gets-under-way-/6962724.html |access-date=26 February 2023|publisher=Voice of America |language=en-US |archive-date=26 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226093936/https://www.voanews.com/a/flashpoint-ukraine-the-ukraine-defense-contact-group-meeting-gets-under-way-/6962724.html |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref name=politico-20230501>{{cite news |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/05/01/austin-defense-meetings-weapons-ukraine-00089946 |title=The little-known group that's saving Ukraine |last1=Seligman |first1=Lara |last2=McLeary |first2=Paul |website=Politico |date=1 May 2023 |access-date=4 November 2023 |archive-date=3 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503093911/https://www.politico.com/news/2023/05/01/austin-defense-meetings-weapons-ukraine-00089946 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The 11 October 2023 meeting took place after the Gaza war had started. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended, and was given assurances military aid would be sustained, although Zelenskyy acknowledged there was uncertainty. Zelenskyy emphasised the need for winter air defence.<ref name=reuters-20231011>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraines-zelenskiy-is-paying-visit-belgium-2023-10-11/ |title=NATO assures Zelenskiy of support even as world's eyes turn to Mideast |last1=Gray |first1=Andrew |last2=Ali |first2=Idrees |publisher=Reuters|location=Brussels|date=11 October 2023 |access-date=4 November 2023 |archive-date=5 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105000841/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraines-zelenskiy-is-paying-visit-belgium-2023-10-11/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''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.<ref name=nbc-20231103>{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/us-european-officials-broach-topic-peace-negotiations-ukraine-sources-rcna123628 |title=U.S., European officials broach topic of peace negotiations with Ukraine, sources say |last1=Kube |first1=Courtney |last2=Lee |first2=Carol E. |last3=Welker |first3=Kristen |publisher=NBC News|location=Washington, D.C.|date=3 November 2023 |access-date=4 November 2023 |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104001514/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/us-european-officials-broach-topic-peace-negotiations-ukraine-sources-rcna123628 |url-status=live }}</ref>

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.<ref name= udcgUsfunding >{{cite web|last1=Watson|first1=Ben|last2=Peniston|first2=Bradley|website=Defense One|date=12 January 2024|url=https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2024/01/the-d-brief-january-25-2024/393605/|title=Today's D Brief: DOD runs out of Ukraine funds; Anti-ISIS fight in limbo; Australia's sub to-do list; Kim's conniption; And a bit more.|access-date=12 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206062940/https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2024/01/the-d-brief-january-25-2024/393605/ |archive-date=6 February 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name= cruiseMissileSolutions >{{cite web|last=Cook|first=Ellie|url=https://www.newsweek.com/nato-taurus-missile-ukraine-germany-1863917 |date=25 January 2024|title=NATO Ally Proposes Taurus Missile Solution for Ukraine|website=Newsweek|access-date=13 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129100747/https://www.newsweek.com/nato-taurus-missile-ukraine-germany-1863917 |archive-date=29 January 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

There were plans for a leaders level meeting of the "Ramstein Group" on 12 October 2024, this meeting was postponed after US president Joe Biden cancelled his participation in order to oversee the response to Hurricane Milton.<ref>{{Cite web |author=The White House|date=8 October 2024|title=Statement from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on President Biden's Travel to Germany and Angola |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/10/08/statement-from-white-house-press-secretary-karine-jean-pierre-on-president-bidens-travel-to-germany-and-angola-2/ |access-date=21 January 2025|website=The White House|language=en-US|location=Roosevelt Room|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250121195525/https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/10/08/statement-from-white-house-press-secretary-karine-jean-pierre-on-president-bidens-travel-to-germany-and-angola-2/|archive-date=21 January 2025|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Kyiv Post|date=9 October 2024|title=Oct. 12 Ramstein Meeting Postponed After Biden Withdraws |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/40240 |access-date=4 January 2025|website=Kyiv Post|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009140833/https://www.kyivpost.com/post/40240|archive-date=9 October 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:250212-D-PM193-1432 (54323604544).jpg|thumb|U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth delivering opening remarks during the 26th UDCG meeting, 2025]] At the first meeting after US president Donald Trump was inaugurated, on 12 February 2025, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth said a return to Ukraine's pre-2014 borders was "an unrealistic objective" in any peace agreement, adding that any attempt to regain all of the territory "will only prolong the war and cause more suffering". He said that president Trump does not support membership of NATO for Ukraine in a peace agreement, and expects Europe to provide more financial and military assistance for Ukraine, while the US concentrates on its own security and the challenge of China; no US troops will be deployed to Ukraine.<ref name=nyt-20250212>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/12/world/europe/ukraine-war-hegseth-nato.html |title=Hegseth Says Return to Ukraine's Prewar Borders Is 'Unrealistic' |last=Erlanger |first=Steven |website=The New York Times|location=Berlin|url-access=subscription |date=12 February 2025 |access-date=12 February 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250212151840/https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/12/world/europe/ukraine-war-hegseth-nato.html |archive-date=12 February 2025}}</ref>

=== Meetings list ===

{| class="wikitable sortable" ! !Date !Host !Chair !Location !Ref. |- |'''1''' |26 April 2022 | rowspan="25" |{{flag|United States}} | rowspan="25" |Lloyd Austin |Ramstein Air Base |<ref>{{cite news |last1=DeYoung |first1=Karen |last2=Timsit |first2=Annabelle |title='Putin never imagined' global rally of Ukraine support, defense secretary says |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/04/26/austin-putin-ukraine-support-military-russia/|url-access=subscription|access-date=1 May 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post|location=Ramstein Air Base|date=26 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250413230533/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/04/26/austin-putin-ukraine-support-military-russia/|archive-date=13 April 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> |- |'''2''' |23 May 2022 |''Virtual'' |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Austin Hosts Ukraine Defense Contact Group to Continue Support for Beleaguered Country |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3040505/austin-hosts-ukraine-defense-contact-group-to-continue-support-for-beleaguered/https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3040505/austin-hosts-ukraine-defense-contact-group-to-continue-support-for-beleaguered/ |access-date=2023-01-13 |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=December 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> |- |'''3''' |15 June 2022 |NATO headquarters |<ref>{{Cite web |title=More Than 50 Nations Pledge to Help Build Ukraine's Defense |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3064765/more-than-50-nations-pledge-to-help-build-ukraines-defense/https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3064765/more-than-50-nations-pledge-to-help-build-ukraines-defense/ |access-date=2023-01-13 |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=December 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> |- |'''4''' |20 July 2022 |''Virtual'' |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Defense Leaders Meet to Bolster Ukraine Support |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3100163/defense-leaders-meet-to-bolster-ukraine-support/https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3100163/defense-leaders-meet-to-bolster-ukraine-support/ |access-date=2023-01-13 |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=December 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> |- |'''5''' |8 September 2022 |Ramstein Air Base |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Contact Group Aids Ukraine's Current Battle, Looks to Long-Term Assistance |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3151901/contact-group-aids-ukraines-current-battle-looks-to-long-term-assistance/https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3151901/contact-group-aids-ukraines-current-battle-looks-to-long-term-assistance/ |access-date=2023-01-13 |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=December 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> |- |'''6''' |12 October 2022 |NATO headquarters |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Allies Are Unified in Support for Ukraine Ahead of NATO Meetings, Defense Official Says |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3186086/allies-are-unified-in-support-for-ukraine-ahead-of-nato-meetings-defense-offici/https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3186086/allies-are-unified-in-support-for-ukraine-ahead-of-nato-meetings-defense-offici/ |access-date=2023-01-13 |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=December 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> |- |'''7''' |16 November 2022 |''Virtual'' |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ukraine Contact Group Is Key to Helping Ukraine's Defense |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3220190/ukraine-contact-group-is-key-to-helping-ukraines-defense/https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3220190/ukraine-contact-group-is-key-to-helping-ukraines-defense/ |access-date=2023-01-13 |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=December 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> |- |'''8''' |20 January 2023 |Ramstein Air Base |<ref name="interfax"/> |- |'''9''' |14 February 2023 |NATO headquarters |<ref>{{cite news|author=ISW Press|date=14 February 2023|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 14, 2023|url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-14-2023|access-date=13 February 2025|publisher=Institute for the Study War|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215021538/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-14-2023|archive-date=15 February 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> |- |'''10''' |15 March 2023 |''Virtual'' |<ref name= 10thUdcg>{{cite news|author=U.S. Department of Defense|date=15 March 2023|title=Opening Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the Tenth Ukraine Defense Contact Group (As Delivered)|url=https://www.war.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3329644/opening-remarks-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-at-the-tenth-ukraine/|access-date=13 February 2025|publisher=U.S. Department of Defense|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315130944/https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/3329644/opening-remarks-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-at-the-tenth-ukraine/|archive-date=15 March 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> |- |'''11''' |21 April 2023 |Ramstein Air Base |<ref>{{cite news|author=European Pravda|author-link=European Pravda|date=11 April 2023|title=Ramstein-11 date revealed|url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/04/11/7397433/|website=Ukrainska Pravda|access-date=12 February 2025|language=en-UK|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411180901/https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/04/11/7397433/|archive-date=11 April 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|author-link=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|date=21 April 2023|title=Ukraine Defense Contact Group to hold next meeting on Apr 21 – U.S. Air Force|url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3694590-ukraine-defense-contact-group-to-hold-next-meeting-on-apr-21-us-air-force.html|access-date=13 February 2025|website=Ukrinform|language=en-UK|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411180817/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3694590-ukraine-defense-contact-group-to-hold-next-meeting-on-apr-21-us-air-force.html|archive-date=11 April 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> |- |'''12''' |25 May 2023 |''Virtual'' |<ref>{{cite web |last1=Garamone |first1=Jim |title=Defense Contact Group Remains Steadfast on Ukraine Support |url=https://www.war.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3408109/defense-contact-group-remains-steadfast-on-ukraine-support/ |publisher=U.S. Department of Defense|language=en-US |access-date=26 May 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230526231925/https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3408109/defense-contact-group-remains-steadfast-on-ukraine-support/ |archive-date=26 May 2023 |date=25 May 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> |- |'''13''' |15 June 2023 |NATO headquarters |<ref>{{cite news|author=U.S. Department of Defense|date=12 June 2023|title=Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs to Visit Germany, Brussels and NATO for Ukraine Defense Contact Group and Defense Ministerial Meetings|url=https://www.war.gov/News/Advisories/Advisory/Article/3425393/secretary-of-defense-chairman-of-the-joint-chiefs-to-visit-germany-brussels-and/|access-date=13 February 2025|publisher=U.S. Department of Defense|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612211159/https://www.defense.gov/News/Advisories/Advisory/Article/3425393/secretary-of-defense-chairman-of-the-joint-chiefs-to-visit-germany-brussels-and/|archive-date=12 June 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> |- |'''14''' |18 July 2023 |''Virtual'' |<ref>{{cite news|author=U.S. Embassy Kyiv|date=17 July 2023|title=Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Ukrainian Minister of Defence Oleksii Reznikov|url=https://ua.usembassy.gov/tag/virtual-ukraine-defense-contact-group-meeting/|access-date=13 February 2025|publisher=U.S. Embassy in Ukraine|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802223551/https://ua.usembassy.gov/tag/virtual-ukraine-defense-contact-group-meeting/|archive-date=2 August 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> |- |'''15''' |19 September 2023 |Ramstein Air Base |<ref>{{cite news|author=U.S. Department of Defense|date=18 September 2023|title=Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs to Meet Defense Leaders in Germany for Ukraine Defense Contact Group|url=https://www.war.gov/News/Advisories/Advisory/Article/3529185/secretary-of-defense-chairman-of-the-joint-chiefs-to-meet-defense-leaders-in-ge/|access-date=13 February 2025|publisher=U.S. Department of Defense|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918185547/https://www.defense.gov/News/Advisories/Advisory/Article/3529185/secretary-of-defense-chairman-of-the-joint-chiefs-to-meet-defense-leaders-in-ge/|archive-date=18 September 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> |- |'''16''' |11 October 2023 |NATO headquarters |<ref>{{cite news|author=NATO|date=11 October 2023|title=NATO Defence Ministers meet to discuss Ukraine, deterrence and defence, Kosovo and the Middle East|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_219117.htm|publisher=NATO|access-date=13 February 2025|language=en-UK|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011103148/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_219117.htm|archive-date=11 October 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> |- |'''17''' |22 November 2023 | rowspan="2" |''Virtual'' |<ref name="17thUdcg"/> |- |'''18''' |23 January 2024 |<ref>{{cite news|last=Garamone|first=Jim|date=22 January 2024|title=U.S. Continues Protection Mission in Middle East, Convenes Ukraine Defense Group Meeting|url=https://www.war.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3652244/us-continues-protection-mission-in-middle-east-convenes-ukraine-defense-group-m/|publisher=U.S. Department of Defense|access-date=12 February 2025|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122220405/https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3652244/us-continues-protection-mission-in-middle-east-convenes-ukraine-defense-group-m/|archive-date=22 January 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> |- |'''19''' |14 February 2024 |NATO headquarters |<ref>{{cite news|author=NATO|date=14 February 2024|title=NATO Defence Ministers to address defence spending, ammunition production, support to Ukraine|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_222619.htm|publisher=NATO|access-date=12 February 2025|language=en-UK|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214123811/https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_222619.htm|archive-date=14 February 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> |- |'''20''' |19 March 2024 |Ramstein Air Base |<ref>{{cite news|last=Jakes|first=Lara|date=19 March 2024|title=U.S. Vows to Continue Support for Ukraine, Despite Funding Doubts|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/19/us/politics/nato-ukraine-weapons-lloyd-austin.html|website=The New York Times|access-date=12 February 2025|url-access=subscription|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240319195930/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/19/us/politics/nato-ukraine-weapons-lloyd-austin.html|archive-date=19 March 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> |- |'''21''' |26 April 2024 | rowspan="2" |''Virtual'' |<ref>{{cite news|author=The Irish Times|date=27 April 2024|title=US to provide new Patriot missiles for Ukraine as part of additional $6bn aid package|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2024/04/27/us-to-provide-new-patriot-missiles-for-ukraine-as-part-of-additional-6bn-aid-package/|newspaper=The Irish Times|access-date=12 February 2025|language=en-UK|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240427091621/https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2024/04/27/us-to-provide-new-patriot-missiles-for-ukraine-as-part-of-additional-6bn-aid-package/|archive-date=27 April 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> |- |'''22''' |20 May 2024 |<ref>{{cite news|publisher=Ministry of National Defence |date=20 May 2024|title=22. Meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group|url=https://www.gov.pl/web/national-defence/22-meeting-of-the-ukraine-defense-contact-group |language=en-UK|access-date=12 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521101817/https://www.gov.pl/web/national-defence/22-meeting-of-the-ukraine-defense-contact-group|archive-date=21 May 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> |- |'''23''' |13 June 2024 |NATO headquarters |<ref>{{cite news|author=National Defence|author-link=Department of National Defence (Canada)|date=13 June 2024|title=Minister Blair announces additional military assistance for Ukraine at the 23rd meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2024/06/minister-blair-announces-additional-military-assistance-for-ukraine-at-the-23rd-meeting-of-the-ukraine-defense-contact-group.html|language=en|publisher=Government of Canada|access-date=12 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613152747/https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2024/06/minister-blair-announces-additional-military-assistance-for-ukraine-at-the-23rd-meeting-of-the-ukraine-defense-contact-group.html|archive-date=13 June 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> |- |'''24''' |6 September 2024 | rowspan="2" |Ramstein Air Base |<ref>{{cite news|last=Babb|first=Cary|date=6 September 2024|title=Ukraine's Zelenskyy emphasizes to allies the need to maintain military strength|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/zelenskyy-meets-top-military-leaders-in-germany-as-the-us-announces-additional-aid-to-ukraine/7773768.html|publisher=Voice of America|access-date=12 February 2025|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240906100151/https://www.voanews.com/amp/zelenskyy-meets-top-military-leaders-in-germany-as-the-us-announces-additional-aid-to-ukraine/7773768.html|archive-date=6 September 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> |- |'''25''' |9 January 2025 |<ref>{{Cite web|author=U.S. Department of Defense|date=7 January 2025|title=Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III to Travel to Ramstein Air Base to Host 25th Ukraine Defense Contact Group|url=https://www.war.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4023546/secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-to-travel-to-ramstein-air-base-to-host/ |access-date=8 January 2025|publisher=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250108020159/https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4023546/secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-to-travel-to-ramstein-air-base-to-host/|archive-date=8 January 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> |- |'''26''' |12 February 2025 |{{flag|United Kingdom}} |John Healey | rowspan="3" |NATO headquarters |<ref>{{Cite press release|author1=Ministry of Defence|last2=Healey|first2=John|author1-link=Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|author2-link=John Healey|title=UK leads major Ukraine Summit and announces £150 million firepower package|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-leads-major-ukraine-summit-and-announces-150-million-firepower-package|date=12 February 2025|access-date=12 February 2025|website=gov.uk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212171726/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-leads-major-ukraine-summit-and-announces-150-million-firepower-package|archive-date=12 February 2025|url-status=live|language=en-UK}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=McBride|first1=Courtney|last2=Palasciano|first2=Andrea|title=Hegseth Rejects US Troops and NATO Membership for Ukraine|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-12/hegseth-says-nato-membership-not-realistic-outcome-for-ukraine|date=12 February 2025|access-date=12 February 2025|website=Bloomberg|url-access=subscription|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212185341/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-12/hegseth-says-nato-membership-not-realistic-outcome-for-ukraine|archive-date=12 February 2025|url-status=live|language=en-US}}</ref> |- |'''27''' |11 April 2025 | rowspan="8" |{{flag|Germany}}<br/>{{flag|United Kingdom}} | rowspan="8" |Boris Pistorius<br/>John Healey |<ref>{{Cite web|last=Urbancik|first=Johanna|title=UK and Germany take over chairmanship of Ukraine Contact Group|url=https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/04/11/uk-and-germany-take-over-chairmanship-of-ukraine-contact-group|date=11 April 2025|language=en-GB|access-date=11 April 2025|website=Euronews|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411150425/https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/04/11/uk-and-germany-take-over-chairmanship-of-ukraine-contact-group|archive-date=11 April 2025|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Gray|first1=Andrew|last2=Siebold|first2=Sabine|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germanys-pistorius-says-russia-is-still-not-interested-peace-2025-04-11/|title=Ukraine will be able to keep fighting, say Britain and Germany|date=11 April 2025|publisher=Reuters|language=en-GB|location=Brussels|access-date=11 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411150846/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germanys-pistorius-says-russia-is-still-not-interested-peace-2025-04-11/|archive-date=11 April 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> |- |'''28''' |4 June 2025 |<ref>{{Cite web|agency=Associated Press|title=Ukraine's backers meet to drum up arms and ammo. The Pentagon chief is absent for the first time|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/ukraines-backers-meet-drum-arms-ammo-pentagon-chief-122479126|date=4 June 2025|language=en-US|location=Brussels|access-date=4 June 2025|publisher=ABC News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250604212056/https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/ukraines-backers-meet-drum-arms-ammo-pentagon-chief-122479126|archive-date=4 June 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> |- |'''29''' |21 July 2025 |''Virtual'' |<ref>{{Cite press release|author1=Ministry of Defence|last2=Healey|first2=John|title=UK ramps up Ukraine military support with £150 million of vital air defence and artillery ammunition delivered in just two months|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-ramps-up-ukraine-military-support-with-150-million-of-vital-air-defence-and-artillery-ammunition-delivered-in-just-two-months|date=21 July 2025|access-date=22 July 2025|publisher=GOV.UK|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250721203758/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-ramps-up-ukraine-military-support-with-150-million-of-vital-air-defence-and-artillery-ammunition-delivered-in-just-two-months|archive-date=21 July 2025|url-status=live|language=en-UK}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Butler|first=Alexander|title=Defence secretary to call for '50-day drive' to arm Kyiv and force Putin's hand|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/ukraine-russia-war-uk-john-healey-putin-b2792516.html|date=21 July 2025|access-date=22 July 2025|website=The Independent|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250722002916/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/ukraine-russia-war-uk-john-healey-putin-b2792516.html|archive-date=22 July 2025|url-status=live|language=en-UK}}</ref> |- |'''30''' |9 September 2025 |London |<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-09 |title=Germany Delivers Two Patriot Missile Systems to Ukraine, First Launchers Already Arrive |url=https://united24media.com/latest-news/germany-delivers-two-patriot-missile-systems-to-ukraine-first-launchers-already-arrive-11508 |access-date=2025-09-09 |website=UNITED24 Media |language=en |archive-date=28 September 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250928095428/https://united24media.com/latest-news/germany-delivers-two-patriot-missile-systems-to-ukraine-first-launchers-already-arrive-11508 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-09 |title=Ukraine Defense Contact Group "Ramstein" 30th Meeting in London Strengthens Military Aid |url=https://mezha.net/eng/bukvy/ukraine-defense-contact-group-ramstein-30th-meeting-in-london-strengthens-military-aid/ |access-date=2025-09-09 |website=Ukraine news - #Mezha |language=en}}</ref> |- |'''31''' |15 October 2025 |NATO headquarters |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ukraine Defense Contact Group next meeting date revealed |url=https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/ukraine-defense-contact-group-next-meeting-1759409055.html |access-date=2025-10-10 |website=RBC-Ukraine |language=en |archive-date=12 October 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251012084103/https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/ukraine-defense-contact-group-next-meeting-1759409055.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="31MeetingNATOsecrataryRemarks">{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjsnxKDxV6A|title=NATO Secretary General and the Minister of Defence of Ukraine 🇺🇦 Denys Shmyhal, 15 OCT 2025|date=15 October 2025|people=Remarks by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte with Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal|access-date=8 November 2025|via=YouTube|medium=YouTube video|archive-date=16 October 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251016083928/https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=3ZQGygJGVZKG2lMJ&v=IjsnxKDxV6A|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="31MeetingPressConference">{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-ok_eGGa-Msi=4E5Da2-HOB90yKYv|title=Joint press conference following the meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, 15 October 2025|date=15 October 2025|people=Press conference by the Minister of Defence of Germany, Secretary of Defence of the United Kingdom and the Minister of Defence of Ukraine|access-date=8 November 2025|via=YouTube|medium=YouTube video|archive-date=11 November 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251111004443/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-ok_eGGa-Msi=4E5Da2-HOB90yKYv&t=272|url-status=live}}</ref> |- |'''32''' |16 December 2025 |''Virtual'' |<ref>{{Cite web |title=NATO Secretary General attends a Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting |url=https://www.nato.int/en/news-and-events/events/media-advisories/2025/12/15/nato-secretary-general-attends-a-ukraine-defence-contact-group-meeting |access-date=2025-12-15 |website=North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) |language=en}}</ref> |- |'''33''' |12 January 2026 |NATO headquarters |<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Ukraine Defence Contact Group to meet at NATO Headquarters |url=https://www.nato.int/en/news-and-events/events/media-advisories/2026/01/30/the-ukraine-defence-contact-group-to-meet-at-nato-headquarters |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) |language=en |archive-date=9 February 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260209125339/https://www.nato.int/en/news-and-events/events/media-advisories/2026/01/30/the-ukraine-defence-contact-group-to-meet-at-nato-headquarters |url-status=live }}</ref> |- |'''34''' |15 April 2026 |Berlin |<ref>{{Cite web |title=UK announces biggest ever drone package for Ukraine to push back Putin |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-announces-biggest-ever-drone-package-for-ukraine-to-push-back-putin |access-date=2026-04-15 |website=GOV.UK |language=en |archive-date=15 April 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260415085430/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-announces-biggest-ever-drone-package-for-ukraine-to-push-back-putin |url-status=live }}</ref> |}

==Subgroups== Eight capability coalitions were formed within UDCG in February 2024, each being led by the following two to three countries at a time, with the aim of conducting an ongoing analyzis of the requirements for highly capable military equipment to Ukraine and coordinating their delivery (including the associated training efforts) from a larger group of countries committing to participate in each specified capability coalition:<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fornusek|first=Martin|title=Umerov after Ramstein: 15 countries join air defense coalition in support of Ukraine |date=14 February 2024 |url=https://kyivindependent.com/germany-france-agree-on-air-defense-coalition-in-support-of-ukraine/|website=The Kyiv Independent|access-date=18 April 2024 |archive-date=15 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415183327/https://kyivindependent.com/germany-france-agree-on-air-defense-coalition-in-support-of-ukraine/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="explainer">{{Cite web|last=Martin|first=Tim|date=9 May 2024|title=Eight capability coalitions are rushing arms to Ukraine. Here's who will donate what. (EXPLAINER) |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2024/05/what-countries-send-weapons-to-ukraine-who-arms-ukraine-us-uk-nato-france/|access-date=22 July 2024|location=Belfast|website=Breaking Defense |language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509231827/https://breakingdefense.com/2024/05/what-countries-send-weapons-to-ukraine-who-arms-ukraine-us-uk-nato-france/|archive-date=9 May 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

* '''Air Force''': Denmark, Netherlands, United States.

::::A total of 16 countries are involved in the fighter program. Belgium, Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands have committed to supply aircraft to Ukraine. So far, the United States has declined to supply its own F-16s, which are produced in America. Morris Air National Guard Base in Arizona, The 86th “Lieutenant Aviator Gheorghe Mociorniță” Air Base in Borcea, Romania; Skrydstrup Air Base in southern Denmark and undisclosed UK location are used for pilot training.<ref name="explainer"/>

* '''Armor''': Germany, Poland. * '''Artillery''': France, United States. * '''Demining''': Iceland, Lithuania. * '''Drones''': Latvia, United Kingdom. * '''Integrated Air and Missile Defense''': France, Germany. * '''Information Technology''': Estonia, Luxembourg. * '''Maritime Security''': Norway, United Kingdom.

An extra ninth capability coalition have been formed within UDCG in April 2025, for procurement of electronic warfare capabilities, training, and the development of electronic warfare policies and doctrine:<ref>{{cite web |title=How to Bridge the EU's and Ukraine's Defence Industries: Mechanisms and Directions |work=Future Europe |first=Hennadiy |last=Maksak |date=7 October 2025 |url=https://feu-journal.eu/issues/securing-the-essentials-in-a-turbulent-world/how-to-bridge-the-eus-and-ukraines-defence-industries-mechanisms-and-directions/ |access-date=3 November 2025 |archive-date=10 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251110223237/https://feu-journal.eu/issues/securing-the-essentials-in-a-turbulent-world/how-to-bridge-the-eus-and-ukraines-defence-industries-mechanisms-and-directions/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=12 April 2025 |url=https://mod.gov.ua/en/news/a-newly-formed-electronic-warfare-coalition-has-been-launched-within-the-framework-of-the-ramstein-format |title=A newly formed Electronic Warfare Coalition has been launched within the framework of the 'Ramstein' format |work=MoD News |access-date=4 November 2025 |archive-date=25 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250725040258/https://mod.gov.ua/en/news/a-newly-formed-electronic-warfare-coalition-has-been-launched-within-the-framework-of-the-ramstein-format |url-status=live }}</ref>

* '''Electronic warfare''': Led by Germany with support from Sweden.

==Partners== The following countries have provided military aid (lethal and non-lethal) to Ukraine, although there is no public confirmation of their participation in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group: *{{flag|Azerbaijan}} (provided mortars and aerial bombs) *{{flag|Cambodia}} (provides de-mining training)<ref name="UDCG-Oct2023"/> *{{flag|Colombia}} (provides de-mining training) *{{flag|Israel}} (provided anti-drone systems, counter-drone intelligence, and non-lethal aid such as helmets, flak jackets, etc.)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldstein |first=Tani |title=Israeli defense firm selling anti-drone systems to Ukraine by way of Poland |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-defense-firm-selling-anti-drone-systems-to-ukraine-by-way-of-poland/ |access-date=26 September 2022|website=The Times of Israel|date=12 September 2022 |language=en-US |archive-date=25 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925102422/https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-defense-firm-selling-anti-drone-systems-to-ukraine-by-way-of-poland/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=<!--Not stated-->|title=Israel giving intel on Russia's Iranian drones to Ukraine - report |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-719525 |access-date=18 November 2022|website=The Jerusalem Post|date=13 October 2022 |language=en-US |archive-date=17 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117234101/https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-719525 |url-status=live }}</ref> Israel has been unwilling to provide Ukraine with weapons.<ref>{{cite news|title=Can Israel help Ukraine?|first=Jonathan|last=Pollard|website=Israel Hayom|date=31 October 2023|url=https://www.israelhayom.com/2023/10/31/can-israel-help-ukraine/|access-date=23 November 2023|archive-date=23 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123124402/https://www.israelhayom.com/2023/10/31/can-israel-help-ukraine/|url-status=live}}</ref> *{{flag|Jordan}} (provided rocket launchers and air defense missiles) *{{flag|Morocco}} (provided 20 T-72 tanks) *{{flag|Pakistan}} (provided artillery shells, rockets, and other ammunition)<ref name="UDCG-Oct2023"/> *{{flag|Sudan}} (provided 120&nbsp;mm mortar bombs and additional undeclared aid) *{{flag|Taiwan}} (provided unmanned aerial vehicles)

===US and Allied investment, munitions, production===

;US Capacity expansion US official fact sheets and reportage indicate $5.3 billion invested in domestic defense production since early 2022, with specific reference to 155mm projectiles and propelling charges, GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) missiles, Javelin anti-tank weapons, PAC-3 MSE interceptors, AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles, and HIMARS, among others.<ref>{{cite news |date=19 June 2025 |access-date=1 September 2025 |title=U.S. is Falling Short on 155mm Artillery Shell Production: Current Output and 1 Million Goal Timeline |work=Defense Express |via=Defence-ua.com |url=https://en.defence-ua.com/analysis/us_is_falling_short_on_155mm_artillery_shell_production_current_output_and_1_million_goal_timeline-14894.html |archive-date=15 July 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250715131510/https://en.defence-ua.com/analysis/us_is_falling_short_on_155mm_artillery_shell_production_current_output_and_1_million_goal_timeline-14894.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The reported capacity jumps - e.g., 155mm shells from 14,400 to 40,000 per month - are accurately reflected in both DoD data and independent defense analytics reporting.<ref name=United>{{cite web |via=United24.media.com |publisher=United24 |title=Sweden Orders Largest Artillery Shell Stockpile Since Cold War Amid Shortages Exposed by War in Ukraine |first=Vlad |last=Litnarovych |url=https://united24media.com/latest-news/sweden-orders-largest-artillery-shell-stockpile-since-cold-war-amid-shortages-exposed-by-war-in-ukraine-9709 |date=19 July 2025 |access-date=1 September 2025 |archive-date=5 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250805201236/https://united24media.com/latest-news/sweden-orders-largest-artillery-shell-stockpile-since-cold-war-amid-shortages-exposed-by-war-in-ukraine-9709 |url-status=live }}</ref> ;Multinational expansion Efforts to expand production beyond the US included France and Sweden's plans to double ammunition and explosives capacity by 2025, and increase powder capacity by 10 times by 2026.<ref>{{cite news |date=24 June 2025 |access-date=1 September 2025 |title=Sweden Considers French Defense Frigates to Strengthen Naval Power in Baltic Sea |publisher=Army Recognition Group |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/navy-news/2025/sweden-considers-french-defense-frigates-to-strengthen-naval-power-in-baltic-sea |archive-date=3 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250803214656/https://armyrecognition.com/news/navy-news/2025/sweden-considers-french-defense-frigates-to-strengthen-naval-power-in-baltic-sea |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=United/> Other expansions (factories in Germany, Romania, etc.; 700,000 shell and 10,000t powder/year goals; ASAP targets for 2 million shells by 2025) are also confirmed.<ref name=Defense/> ;Industry partnerships US-Ukraine and international-Ukraine partnerships - including Northrop Grumman’s in-country production line, Amentum’s joint armored vehicle ventures, and the involvement of KNDS and Rheinmetall - are disclosed by both the U.S. DoD and the contractors themselves.<ref>{{cite web |date=13 January 2023 |first=Christine |last=Thropp |access-date=1 September 2025 |title=Former Northrop Venture Capital Lead on Driving Startup Investments via Prime Contractor Incentives |via=Govconwire.com |url=https://www.govconwire.com/articles/chip-walter-on-driving-startup-investments-via-prime-contractor-incentives |archive-date=10 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251110232205/https://www.govconwire.com/articles/chip-walter-on-driving-startup-investments-via-prime-contractor-incentives |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |via=Northropgrumman.com |title=Business Ventures - Northrop Grumman |url=https://www.northropgrumman.com/who-we-are/business-ventures |access-date=1 September 2025 |archive-date=5 September 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250905153336/https://www.northropgrumman.com/who-we-are/business-ventures |url-status=live }}</ref> ;Activities and achievements ;:Notable deliveries and initiatives Documentation from the DoD Fact Sheet and major news outlets provide explicit confirmation for the following: *delivery of VAMPIRE counter-unmanned aerial systems, "FrankenSAM" conversions, T-72 tanks (joint U.S.-Dutch project), NASAMS, air-to-ground munitions for F-16s, 3D printers for field repair/logistics, and tele-maintenance efforts; *establishment of joint sustainment frameworks, technical manual translation, and innovation-driven working group outputs in areas such as counter-UAS, maritime mine countermeasures, and rapid deployment manufacturing.<ref name=Defense/>

==NATO–Ukraine Council== {{Main|NATO–Ukraine Council}} NATO plans to invite Ukraine as a member into a new organization, the NATO–Ukraine Council.This organization was announced at NATO's July 2023 summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Vergun|first1=David|author2=DOD News|url=https://www.war.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3431305/nato-ukraine-defense-council-to-be-established/|date=16 Jun 2023|publisher=U.S Department of Defense|title=NATO-Ukraine Defense Council to Be Established|access-date=11 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619144933/https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3431305/nato-ukraine-defense-council-to-be-established/|archive-date=19 June 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>

The inaugural meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council happened on 12 July 2023 at the NATO's 2023 Vilnius Summit. The Council met at the level of Heads of State and Government, including the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/nato-ukraine-council-meets-wednesday-zelenskiy-2023-07-23/|title=NATO-Ukraine Council Meets Wednesday, Zelenskyy says|date=23 July 2023|publisher=Reuters|access-date=28 June 2025|archive-date=12 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212121259/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/nato-ukraine-council-meets-wednesday-zelenskiy-2023-07-23/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also== *2022 Ramstein Air Base meeting *{{anl|2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive}} *{{anl|Coalition of the willing (Russo-Ukrainian war)}} *{{anl|European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine}} *{{anl|Operation Interflex}} *{{anl|Operation Unifier}}

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== *[http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/topics_37768.htm Ukraine–NATO relations] *[https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_217652.htm NATO-Ukraine Council]

{{2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine}}

Category:Political conferences Category:Reactions to the Russian invasion of Ukraine Category:21st century in Rhineland-Palatinate Category:Diplomatic conferences in Germany Category:Germany–Ukraine relations Category:Ukraine–NATO relations