Umerov announced that the next Ramstein meeting has been scheduled: the date has been confirmed.

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced that the next meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (known as the "Ramstein format") has already been agreed upon and will take place in February. Participants plan to enhance the involvement of the United States. Additionally, there are plans to engage European countries in coordinating assistance to Ukraine.

He made this statement following the conclusion of the latest meeting in Germany on January 9, as reported by "Radio Liberty." The minister added that "there are no issues since the next 'Ramstein' has already been agreed upon."

"We have already determined that we will hold the next 'Ramstein' in February," Umerov noted.

He also emphasized the importance of U.S. presence in the format, stressing: "We want the United States to remain and strengthen its participation. There are various cooperation formats. For instance, NSATU has been established—a coordination center under NATO. European countries are also ready to join in leading or co-leading this process alongside Ukraine."

Incidentally, President Volodymyr Zelensky also responded to questions about whether the "Ramstein" format would continue. While in Italy, he emphasized that the question of extending the meeting in this format is not even being considered at the moment.

"Because everyone understands that the next meeting is in February. Everyone has already agreed on this. I view this positively. It is important for us that this Ramstein continues its work... We understand the date and location. But I do not want to discuss this publicly," the president told reporters following today’s meeting.

Will the U.S. Reduce Military Support?

Meanwhile, in light of Donald Trump's statements about the desire to "quickly end the war," there are analyses on the West regarding possible scenarios, including a reduction of the U.S. role in military support for Ukraine. Earlier, Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak suggested that the meeting on January 9 could be the final one in this format.

For his part, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin noted that the future of "Ramstein" will depend on the next U.S. administration. He emphasized that this format is crucial for Kyiv and its partners.

It is worth recalling that U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is leaving his position. On January 9, he announced a $500 million aid package for Ukraine. The latest aid package includes air defense missiles, ammunition, and equipment for F-16 fighters. This is the last assistance from the Joe Biden administration before the change of power in the White House.

At the same time, Trump plans to continue supplying weapons to Ukraine even after his inauguration. He will also demand that NATO countries increase defense spending. The EU has also voiced its position regarding military support for Ukraine. According to EU foreign affairs chief Kaia Kallas, The European Union is ready to take a leading role if the United States ceases its support for Ukraine.