"We are preparing for Ramstein on October 12. This will be the 25th meeting (in this format), but the first at the leadership level. We will present a victory plan, clear, concrete steps for a just end to the war. The determination of partners and the strengthening of Ukraine are what will be able to stop Russian aggression. I thank everyone who helps defend our country, Europe and the whole world."
- the Ukrainian president said on Telegram.
The upcoming Ramstein Group's leadership level meeting will be attended by, among others, US President Joe Biden, who will pay a state visit to Germany on October 10-13.
The Ramstein Group was founded in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and is an alliance of over 50 states and organisations, within which a mechanism for regular military assistance to Ukraine has been developed, in the form of weapons supplies, training of soldiers and repair of equipment. Meetings in this format at various levels are held monthly.
Ukraine, which has been fending off an invasion from much larger neighbour Russia for nearly 1,000 days, has in recent months teased a plan to end the war. The details have not been made public, but Zelenskyy presented it to U.S. President Joe Biden, as well as both major candidates running in the country's presidential election, when he visited Washington last month.
The U.S. State Department spokesman said the plan contained "a number of productive steps" which the U.S. would engage with Ukraine on. However, the Wall Street Journal newspaper cited anonymous U.S. officials as saying that the plan was a repackaged request for more weapons and a lifting of restrictions on the use of long-range missiles, and lacked a comprehensive strategy.
(mm)
Source: PAP, Reuters