Ramstein meeting: security agreements, troop deployment in Ukraine. Serhiy Zgurets’ column

Ramstein-format summit of Ukraine Defense Contact Group

The U.S. delegation was led by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, while Ukraine's delegation was headed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The meeting focused on key areas of cooperation with Ukraine aimed at strengthening its defense capabilities.

In his opening remarks, President Zelenskyy outlined several priorities deemed crucial by the Ukrainian side. Notably, he proposed that all Ramstein participants sign security agreements with Ukraine. Kyiv currently has 27 such agreements, but the number of Ramstein participants is much larger, highlighting the need to expand cooperation.

Ukraine's second proposal involved the potential deployment of partner contingents in Ukraine, an initiative put forward by the President of France. Zelenskyy emphasized that this project is one of the most effective tools to bolster Ukraine's security and requires bold action from international partners.

The discussions also emphasized the need to increase the production and supply of drones for Ukraine. President Zelenskyy highlighted that this year must set a record for domestic drone production but stressed the necessity of partner support. He also reminded participants that not all countries have fulfilled their commitments to supply air defense systems. Zelenskyy expressed hope for faster delivery of these critical systems to protect Ukraine's skies and civilians, referencing the recent Russian shelling of Zaporizhzhia, which killed 13 people and injured 122.

Key outcomes of the 25th Ramstein meeting included discussions on short-term weapons supplies and cooperation within coalitions. These coalitions focus on eight areas uniting partner countries: air defense, aviation, armored vehicles, artillery, demining, drone production, and cybersecurity. The coalitions aim to develop long-term plans extending to 2027.

Significant announcements within the drone coalition included commitments from the UK, Denmark, Latvia, Sweden, and the Netherlands to supply Ukraine with 30,000 FPV drones worth £45 million.

Additionally, the Biden administration announced its latest military aid package worth $500 million. This includes weapons from U.S. Department of Defense reserves, such as air defense missiles, ammunition, F-16 equipment, tank bridge layers, secure communications systems, and firearms. Over the past year, military aid has totaled approximately $66 billion. There is hope that the next U.S. administration will ensure weapons deliveries using unspent funds from President Joe Biden's term.

Technological solutions on battlefield

Taras Ostapchuk, a serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the head of the robotic platform manufacturing company Ratel, spoke about the transformation of warfare with the use of robotic platforms.

"As of today, one official training school of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has been established. Last year, the first graduation took place, where 31 operators of robotic platforms were trained. Our enterprise has two training schools, which graduated about 150 operators last year. Many units have been created, and drone battalions are currently being formed. Last year, we showed significant growth in the robotic platform field in Ukraine. There were over 50 manufacturers, and now there are more than 110 codified products," he said.

According to him, robotic platforms have various functions, ranging from kamikaze robots to logistics support and evacuation: "As of today, we have shipped around 500 platforms used as kamikazes, for remote mining, and for logistics tasks. Logistic platforms cover about 10% of logistics, and in 2025, we will see growth thanks to state contracts. In 2024, over 2,000 platforms, including strike ones, were supplied to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The state is expected to facilitate an eightfold increase in platform production."

Can we speak about an integration model of units using both ground and air platforms? For example, a month ago, the Khartiya Brigade of the National Guard used the integration of different platforms in offensive actions. Can this become a system, and what are the challenges? One of the challenges is the limited frequency bands for the interaction of air and ground platforms.

Ostapchuk says it is more practical to use ground robots in specific locations. When a minefield is laid by the Baba-Yaga drone, one mine can raise the entire barrier. To ensure assault operations, logistics must be prioritized. Robotic platforms should be used for transporting ammunition and food, which would reduce risks and casualties among soldiers. The second task is kamikaze mining. Then, support for infantry can be provided through FPV drones and ground robots.

He also believes that it is necessary to ensure the safety of personnel in rear areas and fully handle logistics.

"I would allocate 50% of resources for logistics, 20% for kamikazes, 20% for remote mining, and 10% for strike operations with machine guns. I think this would be the right approach. I’m confident that this year we will see robots that will clear mines during assault operations," he added.

Previously, platforms conducted operations at distances of over 6 km. The goal for 2025 is to reach a depth of 8-9 km from the operators, Ostapchuk noted: "When we talk about kamikaze robots, we use an optical spool. We have already tested the optical spool in kamikaze robots at distances up to 20 km, and we can work with optics at such distances. When it comes to logistics, Ukrainian radio communication allows us to ensure a distance of 8-10 km."

The integration of the best combat experience to transform the operation of robotic platforms or improve the structures using them is achieved through systematic training of new personnel and collaboration with brigades using the robots. Technical tasks for modifications are regularly provided, and these changes are later incorporated into the platforms, as well as adjustments to the training methods for new recruits. They receive updated platforms with enhanced communication based on feedback from the brigades in combat.

All commands set overarching tasks, but communication happens directly between manufacturers and operators on the battlefield, Ostapchuk says. They receive constant feedback, return platforms for repairs, improve them based on recommendations, and systematically update existing models. Over the past year, the company's workforce has increased tenfold.

The company regularly receives proposals from abroad regarding its platforms. Last year, it covered 30-40% of Ukraine's needs. They have successfully completed state contracts on time and secured new ones. However, the company is not considering international cooperation until the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces are fully met.