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Polish president cancels visit to Germany for Ramstein meeting

09.10.2024 15:00
Poland's President Andrzej Duda has cancelled his planned visit to Germany for Saturday's meeting of the US-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base, his office announced on Wednesday.
Polish President Andrzej Duda.
Polish President Andrzej Duda.Photo: Marek Borawski/KPRP

The announcement followed US President Joe Biden’s cancellation of his trip to Germany and Angola due to Hurricane Milton approaching the southeastern state of Florida, Polish state news agency PAP reported.

Biden's decision resulted in a change to the format of the Ramstein meetingthe Polish President's Office said.

"Given the projected trajectory and strength of Hurricane Milton, President Biden is postponing his upcoming trip to Germany and Angola in order to oversee preparations for and the response to Hurricane Milton, in addition to the ongoing response to the impacts of Hurricane Helene across the Southeast," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to unveil a "victory plan" on Saturday, outlining "clear, concrete steps" to end the war with Russia.

Last month, Zelensky attended the 24th Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting at Ramstein in person.

During the opening of that meeting, he renewed his call for increased Western assistance to protect his country from Russian airstrikes.

He also urged international allies to expedite the delivery of promised air defences, according to reports at the time.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (right) speaks at the 24th Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, alongside US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin (left), on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (right) speaks at the 24th Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, alongside US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin (left), Sept. 6, 2024. Photo: EPA/RONALD WITTEK

The Ukraine Defense Contact Group, also known as the Ramstein Group, was established in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

It brings together more than 50 countries and organisations to ensure regular military assistance to Ukraine, including weapons supplies, soldier training and equipment repairs.

Ramstein Group meetings are held monthly at different levels.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, starting the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II.

Wednesday is day 959 of Russia’s war Ukraine.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAPwhitehouse.gov