Ramstein meeting concludes in Brussels: details

This became known from Espreso's broadcast.

The Ukrainian delegation was headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. It is also worth noting that U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth did not participate in the meeting. Previously, his absence was also confirmed by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Rutte on increasing defense spending and further support for Ukraine

During a press conference, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that the alliance countries plan to increase defense spending in such a way as not to abandon support for Ukraine, Interfax-Ukraine reports.

"We will plan new funding in such a way that it does not affect the Alliance's interaction with Ukraine, so that Ukraine has everything it needs to continue the fight," Rutte said.

Zelenskyy: "Let's strengthen our air shield"

At the beginning of the meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke and called on partners to strengthen the air shield over Ukraine. This became known from the broadcast of Espreso. "We have powerful air defense, and the more powerful it is, the more closed our sky will be. Therefore, let's strengthen our air shield... We urge you to speed up the supply of missiles, anti-aircraft systems and shells. We know the exact number of Patriots we need, and this is the most effective way we can force Russia to stop its terror. And discussions have already started in your countries about increasing the production of NASAMS, IRIS-T systems. They can be manufactured in Ukraine. These air defense systems will strengthen our common security, because what we will produce here will protect both us and you," Zelenskyy said.

The head of state also emphasized the importance of investments for the production of weapons in Ukraine.

"We already have fruitful cooperation on the production of weapons in Ukraine. Several projects have already been launched, and we want to increase production by 50%, because we know what Ukrainian industry requires now. We have the strength, we have the reserves, we have the desire. We need funding, and we are ready to provide detailed calculations," added the President of Ukraine.

The Netherlands will provide a new aid package to Ukraine worth €400 million

Before the start of Ramstein, the Defense Minister of the Netherlands, Ruben Brekelmans, announced the transfer of a large package of military aid to Ukraine in the field of maritime security, totaling 400 million euros. This is reported by European Pravda.

"For today's Contact Group, I am announcing a new support package (for Ukraine) in the amount of 400 million euros in the field of maritime security. It will include more than 100 ships, patrol boats, transport boats, interceptors, and special operations ships. That is, a wide range of more than 100 vessels," Brekelmans noted. According to him, the package also includes more than 50 naval drones, as well as weapons systems, sensors, spare parts, and training for Ukrainian specialists.

"This is a complete package to strengthen Ukraine's maritime security. This is very important because we see that Russian threats, both in the Black Sea and around Kherson, are increasing. It is very important for Ukraine to protect itself from this," added the Defense Minister of the Netherlands.

He emphasized that the Netherlands wants to support Ukraine in matters of freedom of navigation and the preservation of trade sea routes.

Ramstein's investments in industry

As stated after the meeting by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, Ukraine will build joint ventures abroad, but all weapons will be transferred to the country as long as the war continues. This became known from the broadcast of Espreso.

"We have agreed that products manufactured under Ukrainian license abroad will be supplied to Ukraine as long as the war continues. We look forward to considering all proposals from interested partner states. We have not yet approved the name, but for now we are calling it Ramstein Investment for Industries, which is a strategic shift," Umerov noted.

He said that within the framework of this initiative, Ukrainian companies can invest in Ramstein partner countries, and companies from UDCG countries can build their factories in Ukraine.

"We will jointly produce drones, missiles, ammunition, and other weapons. Ukrainian drones have changed the battlefield, and now they will change how Ramstein countries prepare for future threats," added Umerov.

Heappey: "This war must end at the negotiating table, not on the battlefield"

As emphasized by UK Defense Minister John Heappey, the war in Ukraine must end at the negotiating table, so it is necessary to strengthen sanctions against Russia.

"We realized that Ukraine can influence Russian weapons. So, we support Ukraine and we will, as a nation, support Ukraine as we can. And this is the Coalition of the Willing, the announcement of sanctions. We understand that this war must end at the negotiating table, not on the battlefield. Putin has shown that he is talking about peace, but he is not ready for negotiations. And this is what President Trump said, that negotiations are needed. So, more pressure is needed for Moscow to move to negotiations. Ukraine has shown its willingness to negotiate. The U.S. is ready to conduct these negotiations. So, we are ready to help so that this process takes place," Heappey noted.

• As a result of the meeting on April 11, Ukraine received 21 billion euros. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, summing up the results of Ramstein, noted that he would propose holding the next meeting in Ukraine.