The so-called "Ramstein format" is an essential forum for Ukraine to express its support needs, and serves as a reference point for donor countries to coordinate their contributions or launch joint assistance initiatives.
The Contact Group, led by the US Secretary of Defence, has been meeting regularly since April last year, and this time more than 40 countries as well as the European Union and NATO took part.
In the first part of the meeting, which was introduced by US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and Ukrainian Minister for Defence Oleksii Reznikov, the participating ministers were briefed in detail on the current battlefield situation and Ukraine's most pressing capability requirements.
During the speeches of the participating ministers, Robles reported on the current status of Spain's shipments, highlighting among the material provided the forthcoming delivery of four more Leopard 2A4 battle tanks and a new batch of M-113 TOA Infantry Vehicles. She also highlighted the good progress in the training of Ukrainian personnel on Spanish territory, where around 1,500 troops have so far been trained, announcing that the annual target is expected to be reached ahead of schedule.
The minister, who was accompanied by the Secretary General for Defence Policy, Admiral Juan Francisco Martínez Núñez, ended her speech by highlighting the importance of the unity, determination and effectiveness of the nations and organisations taking part in the Contact Group, reiterating that they can count on Spain's continued commitment to support Ukraine for as long as necessary.
Non official translation
The Minister for Defence, Margarita Robles, during the videoconference meeting of the Defence Contact Group for Ukraine