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Ramstein meeting of Ukraine's allies postponed

09.10.2024 17:00
This week's meeting of the US-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Ramstein, Germany has been postponed after US President Joe Biden cancelled his trip, news agencies reported on Wednesday, citing the event's organisers.
US President Joe Biden
US President Joe BidenPhoto: EPA/UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE

"The Oct. 12, 2024 event is postponed," the US public affairs office at Ramstein Air Base said in an email to journalists, according to the Reuters news agency.

"Announcements about future Ukraine Defence Contact Group meetings will be forthcoming," the office added, as cited by Reuters.

Earlier in the day, Poland's President Andrzej Duda cancelled his planned visit to Germany for Saturday's meeting, his office announced.

The White House said on Tuesday that Biden needed to oversee the response to Hurricane Milton and relief efforts in the United States after a hurricane last month killed more than 200 people.

"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.

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

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: Reuters, IAR, PAPwhitehouse.gov