On February 14, the next meeting of the contact group on Ukrainian defense in the Ramstein format took place in Brussels. The experts called this meeting decisive. Its results and importance will be discussed further.
Operational and strategic attack
There are three main points that became decisive for the ninth Ramstein:
- By mid-winter, the armies of Ukraine and Russia achieved a certain balance of forces, which put the development of the war on pause. One side, then the other sometimes makes an operational attack, but it does not bring significant changes.
- Such a situation is an ideal base for preparing for a strategic attack, thinking about future tactics, and accumulating military equipment. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are currently solving these tasks, which is why they became central during the February Ramstein.
- The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, who was present at the meeting of the contact group, stated that by this time, there are the conditions for a clear strategic degradation of the Russian army.
The main task of the meeting
The priority tasks were clearly formulated by the Head of the Pentagon, Lloyd Austin. He said that during the meeting, the technical base will be formed for the start of the counterattack, which is planned for spring.
That is why each of the participating countries has determined what contribution it can make to the overall goal.
Three main directions were formed, which had to be fully “closed”. There are:
- ammunition;
- protection of the sky;
- creation of the “tank coalition”.
Excellent results were obtained for each of these points. Not all of them provided full information about the amount of aid they declared, but even what is known is more than satisfactory.
Ammunition
16 countries promised to provide artillery. The leaders in the supply of ammunition are:
- Germany will establish the production of ammunition for Gepard self-propelled guns;
- Greece;
- France and Australia will increase the production of 155-mm ammunition for Ukraine.
“Tank Coalition”
Western armored vehicles are one of the most important factors for a counterattack. These are not only tanks but also modern IFVs. Previously, the Armed Forces of Ukraine could count only on Soviet-type models that remained in the country or were provided by allies. Now the situation is changing dramatically.
11 countries joined the creation of the “Tank Coalition”, including:
- USA – Abrams M1 tanks;
- Norway – 8 Leopard 2 tanks and 4 armored engineering vehicles;
- Germany, Canada, Poland, Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Portugal – Leopard 2 tanks;
- The Czech Republic – modernized T-72 tanks;
- Greece – 20 IFVs.
Leopard tanks are planned to be delivered to Kyiv in a month. Now they are working on getting Finland to join the creation of the “Tank Coalition”.
Anti-aircraft artillery
This group of weapons is designed primarily to destroy air targets. Most often, they are aimed at objects located far from the front line. The increase of such systems on the armament of the Armed Forces of Ukraine means that peaceful cities and villages will be under more reliable protection.
In addition, this weaponry will help to “get” targets behind enemy lines.
Anti-aircraft artillery for the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be provided by 9 countries, among them:
- Germany – 2 air defense systems IRIS-T SLM;
- The USA and the Netherlands coalition – Patriot systems;
- France, Italy – air defense systems SAMP/T.
General conclusions
The Allies have planned 100 billion euros of aid for 2023, which will be directed both to the military and to related industries. Only the USA is going to announce the next package of military assistance in the amount of 10 billion dollars.
But during Ramstein, the countries were thinking about not only the upcoming actions of the current year. For example, Norway will provide 7.5 billion dollars to help Ukraine by 2027. Their intended use will be in both military and civilian sectors.
Among the important conclusions of this meeting, it is worth noting that the number of participating countries has increased to 54. This means that the anti-Kremlin coalition is getting bigger.
