Despite the US’s absence, the Ramstein meeting on 4 June kicked off a new era of military aid for Ukraine, with billions in investments and joint weapons production.

Ramstein moves forward without the US 

For the first time since the group’s creation, the US Secretary of Defense was absent from the meeting. 

The Pentagon explained that Pete Hegseth had a tight schedule, writes ArmyInform. He also won’t attend today’s NATO–Ukraine Council meeting, although he did arrive for the NATO ministerial and attended the Alliance’s headquarters on the morning of 5 June.

Nevertheless, the meeting results demonstrate that the rest of the allies remain committed to supporting Ukraine militarily, as confirmed by the announcement of new aid packages.

Ukraine and allies won’t just share weapons

The central takeaway from the Contact Group meeting was the agreement to create a joint defense production mechanism. Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said the concept came from partners offering to help establish defense production involving Ukrainian companies.

“Our partners are ready to fully finance the production, and the products made under Ukrainian licenses will be sent to Ukraine as long as the war continues,” he explained.

During the discussions, however, the plan evolved into mutual investment: Ukrainian manufacturers will be able to invest in partner countries, while companies from these countries will be able to build large-scale factories in Ukraine.

Umerov noted that the idea is still new, with details under discussion and no official name yet.

“We’re calling it ‘Ramstein investments in the defense industry,’ but this is a strategic breakthrough,” the minister emphasized.

There are already specific agreements on joint production:

• A Western European company announced it will produce modern anti-Shahed missiles in Ukraine,
• The UK and Ukraine will jointly manufacture LMM missiles and launchers,
• Rheinmetall is building cutting-edge Lynx combat vehicles in Ukraine,
• Ukrainian companies are producing ammunition under Nammo licenses,
• SAAB, Kongsberg, KNDS, FFG, and Raytheon are all expanding their presence in Ukraine.

The SAAB produces Gripen fighter jets, Raytheon manufactures Patriot missiles, the only type capable of intercepting Russia’s ballistic missiles, KNDS makes missiles for NASAMS, and FFG is notable for supplying military vehicles and equipment, including contributing Leopard 1A5 tanks. 

“Ukrainian drones have changed the situation on the battlefield, and now they will change how Ramstein countries prepare for future threats,” Umerov stated.

100,000 drones and a record £4.5 billion in aid

Before the session even began, London announced a new aid package with a special focus on drones: 100,000 drones for Ukraine’s Defense Forces by the end of 2025, ten times more than last year, with record investments of £350 million.

Additionally, 140,000 artillery shells have already been delivered. Another £247 million will go toward training Ukrainian troops as part of Operation Interflex, which has already trained 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers.

German long-range weapons to be built on Ukrainian soil

Germany, in turn, confirmed its previously announced €5 billion military aid package. It includes funding for long-range weapons to be produced in Ukraine, as well as the delivery of air defense systems, weapons, and ammunition.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius assured that supporting Ukraine remains a priority both for the new German government and for him personally.

War at Sea: Netherlands, Canada, and Belgium expand maritime and electronic warfare fronts

Support for Ukraine goes far beyond just two countries. The Netherlands is focusing on maritime security: €400 million will go toward a mine countermeasure ship, boats, and maritime drones for Ukraine.

Norway is prioritizing support for Ukraine’s defense industry, allocating $700 million for drones and contributing $50 million to the NSATU fund.

Canada will provide $45 million for drones, electronic warfare equipment, and will send Coyote and Bison armored vehicles to Ukraine.

Belgium, which hosted Ramstein for the second time, announced a long-term initiative — committing to €1 billion annually in aid to Ukraine through 2029 and the delivery of a mine countermeasure vessel.

Sweden allocated €440 million for international programs to purchase artillery shells, drones, and other weaponry for Ukraine.

Polish authorities launched an investigation into anti-aircraft weapons and ammunition found abandoned at an airport hangar near the Polish-Ukrainian border. The weapons belonged to a private company that was contracted to deliver the systems to Ukraine but failed to complete the transport for unclear reasons.

TV Republika first reported the discovery of the mysterious containers at the Laszki aeroclub site before the Przemyśl district prosecutor’s office dispatched Central Bureau of Police Investigation officers to the location, where they confirmed the presence of anti-aircraft weapons. Prosecutors have since opened a criminal case examining a private company’s mishandling of military equipment and ammunition, according to RMF24.

Jacek Dobrzyński, spokesman for the minister coordinating special services, confirmed the weapons were anti-aircraft systems described as “a kind of launcher.” Dobrzyński stated that “the warehouse was not supervised, which is a scandal,” emphasizing that such weapons require proper storage and supervision.

The Polish Ministry of Defense issued a statement clarifying that the containers with ammunition and weapons “are NOT the property of the Polish Army.” 

Now investigators are conducting activities to determine the weapons’ source and intended recipient, with assistance from experts at the Military Institute of Armament Technology.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Monday, 26 May, that Western allies have removed all range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine, marking a significant shift in military support policy that could prove decisive in Ukraine’s defense efforts.

Speaking during a discussion forum organized by public broadcaster WDR, Merz stated that neither Germany, Britain, France, nor the United States maintain limitations on the operational range of weapons provided to Ukrainian forces.

“There are no longer any restrictions on the range of weapons delivered to Ukraine, neither by the UK, France, nor us. There are no restrictions by the US either,” the chancellor said.

This policy change enables Ukraine to target military installations within Russian territory as part of its defensive operations.

Ukraine can now “defend itself, for example, by attacking military facilities in Russia,” Merz explained.

The chancellor argued that lifting these restrictions will make “the decisive difference in Ukraine’s warfare,” contending that “a country that can only oppose an attacker on its own territory is not defending itself adequately.” 

Merz emphasized a stark contrast in targeting practices between the warring nations.

“Russia attacks civilian targets completely ruthlessly, bombing cities, kindergartens, hospitals and old people’s homes – Ukraine doesn’t do that,” Merz stated.

He stressed that Kyiv uses its weapons specifically against Russian military infrastructure rather than civilian targets.

The announcement follows Merz’s visit to Kyiv on 10 May alongside leaders from Britain, France, and Poland. According to the chancellor, this was one of the reasons for the joint diplomatic mission, during which he also announced that all future arms supply discussions with Ukraine would be kept confidential.

The visit was part of a “coalition of the willing,” a group of about 30 countries pledging security guarantees, including peacekeeping troops, for Ukraine in a potential ceasefire agreement with Russia. 

On 14 May, Merz also emphasized the importance of full Western unity and rejected any “dictated peace” or subjugation of Ukraine by Russia. Earlier, in January 2025, Friedrich Merz argued that only a position of strength, not weakness or appeasement, could bring about an end to the war in Ukraine, criticizing any calls for premature negotiations or concessions to Russia.

Regarding Germany’s specific contributions, Merz had previously signaled his intention to reverse his predecessor Olaf Scholz’s ban on delivering Taurus cruise missiles, which are capable of striking targets at a 500-km (310 miles) range. However, the chancellor did not provide specific details about Taurus deployments in his Monday remarks.