WEBVTT 00:05.449 --> 00:07.282 Well , good morning everyone and 00:07.282 --> 00:09.393 welcome back to Ramstein . It's great 00:09.393 --> 00:11.616 to see you , everyone . And I'm honored 00:11.616 --> 00:13.616 that you could join us for the 25th 00:13.616 --> 00:15.449 gathering of the Ukraine Defense 00:15.449 --> 00:17.909 Contact Group . I know that you've seen 00:17.909 --> 00:20.459 the American flags flying at half-mast 00:20.459 --> 00:23.229 today . That's a tribute to the late 00:23.229 --> 00:25.809 President Jimmy Carter , who will be 00:25.809 --> 00:28.031 honored today in our nation's capital . 00:28.850 --> 00:30.739 And I hope that we will all carry 00:30.739 --> 00:33.610 forward his deep devotion to the cause 00:33.610 --> 00:36.270 of human rights and human decency . 00:37.729 --> 00:41.330 Now All Americans are also watching the 00:41.330 --> 00:43.441 terrifying wildfires that are ripping 00:43.441 --> 00:45.330 ripping through parts of Southern 00:45.330 --> 00:47.799 California . The department will 00:47.799 --> 00:50.869 continue to stand ready to Surge 00:50.869 --> 00:53.549 support as needed . That includes 00:53.549 --> 00:55.750 federal air assets that California can 00:55.750 --> 00:58.630 request to help fight the fire from the 00:58.630 --> 01:02.040 sky , and many US installations , US 01:02.040 --> 01:04.262 military installations in the area that 01:04.262 --> 01:06.373 have personnel and equipment that can 01:06.373 --> 01:09.930 also be urged to fight this awful blaze , 01:10.190 --> 01:12.959 surged to fight this awful blaze . We 01:12.959 --> 01:15.126 stand with the people of California in 01:15.126 --> 01:18.599 this terrible time . And now let me 01:18.599 --> 01:20.432 turn to our agenda here . Let me 01:20.432 --> 01:22.488 welcome our Ukrainian colleagues who 01:22.488 --> 01:25.000 have again made the trip from Kiev to 01:25.000 --> 01:28.449 Ramstein . As you know , we are honored 01:28.449 --> 01:30.690 to be joined today by a leader who has 01:30.690 --> 01:33.370 made history , President Zelinsky . 01:34.690 --> 01:35.050 Mr . 01:43.540 --> 01:45.707 Mr . President , it's an honor to have 01:45.707 --> 01:47.873 you back in Ramstein . The whole world 01:47.873 --> 01:49.900 has been moved by the courage of 01:49.900 --> 01:52.620 Ukraine's forces and the strength of 01:52.620 --> 01:55.980 Ukraine's people . And you know 01:55.980 --> 01:58.091 firsthand how much this contact group 01:58.091 --> 01:59.980 has meant for Ukraine's fight for 01:59.980 --> 02:03.230 freedom . President Zelinsky , the 02:03.230 --> 02:04.230 floor is yours . 02:10.729 --> 02:13.020 Thank you very much . Thank you for 02:13.020 --> 02:16.559 your words . Strong words about our 02:16.559 --> 02:20.559 people and uh um about us . Thank 02:20.559 --> 02:24.160 you very much . And I'm grateful to you 02:24.160 --> 02:26.929 for your personal leadership during all 02:26.929 --> 02:30.630 these years and uh your personal 02:30.630 --> 02:33.479 involvement in the United States for 02:33.479 --> 02:35.759 coordinating this format and working 02:35.759 --> 02:38.279 together with us since the start of the 02:38.279 --> 02:41.960 full scale war . Uh , 02:42.820 --> 02:46.720 Minister Pistorius , and I dearly 02:46.860 --> 02:49.529 appreciate your help and Germany's , um , 02:49.979 --> 02:53.130 impactful support for all our people 02:53.380 --> 02:57.330 for Ukraine . Ladies and gentlemen , 02:58.589 --> 03:00.929 dear friends , it's clear that a new 03:00.929 --> 03:03.770 chapter starts for Europe and the 03:03.770 --> 03:06.369 entire world just 11 days from now , at 03:06.369 --> 03:09.050 a time when we have to cooperate even 03:09.050 --> 03:12.820 more , rely on one another even more , 03:13.080 --> 03:15.750 and achieve even greater results 03:15.750 --> 03:19.380 together . And I see this as a time of 03:19.380 --> 03:23.289 opportunities . And in in almost 3 03:23.289 --> 03:27.009 years of full-scale war , we've shown 03:27.009 --> 03:29.960 that when we come and belong together , 03:30.610 --> 03:33.589 no one is too small to make a real 03:33.589 --> 03:36.449 impact on history , and we've come such 03:36.449 --> 03:40.000 a long way . That it would honestly be 03:40.000 --> 03:43.479 crazy to drop the ball now and not keep 03:43.479 --> 03:45.919 building on the defense coalitions 03:45.919 --> 03:48.759 we've created , especially since they 03:48.759 --> 03:52.199 are already helping us grow and 03:52.199 --> 03:55.279 strengthen what's basically our shared 03:55.279 --> 03:58.360 defense power . No matter what's going 03:58.360 --> 04:01.679 on in the world , everyone wants to 04:01.679 --> 04:04.440 feel sure that their country will not 04:04.440 --> 04:08.000 just be erased off the map . That 04:08.000 --> 04:11.800 used to depend on a handful of big 04:11.800 --> 04:14.559 capitals , but now it's on all of us . 04:15.250 --> 04:17.760 On how we work together , how ready we 04:17.760 --> 04:21.559 are to own our future , and how 04:21.559 --> 04:24.559 well we can convince our partners to 04:24.559 --> 04:27.799 stand with us . The more determination 04:27.799 --> 04:30.880 we show in defending our interests , 04:31.040 --> 04:33.869 the more interest our partners , and 04:33.869 --> 04:37.510 especially the US , will see is good 04:37.510 --> 04:39.160 to stay on our side . 04:41.570 --> 04:43.681 Yesterday I held a special meeting of 04:43.681 --> 04:46.350 the Supreme Commander in Chief's staff , 04:46.790 --> 04:49.350 and the focus was on the production and 04:49.350 --> 04:52.709 supply of drones for our soldiers , for 04:52.709 --> 04:55.750 our army , and electronic warfare . 04:55.880 --> 04:58.470 Drones are something that has already 04:58.470 --> 05:02.380 changed the nature of war , and 05:02.630 --> 05:05.519 the changes are far from over . Today 05:05.519 --> 05:08.160 there is a direct dependence to stop 05:08.160 --> 05:10.390 the advance of the enemy , to stop 05:10.390 --> 05:13.309 losing people and territories . We need 05:13.309 --> 05:16.769 drones . Drones deter the enemy , keep 05:16.769 --> 05:19.829 them at the distance . It can be done . 05:20.000 --> 05:22.480 Production of drones in Ukraine is more 05:22.480 --> 05:25.630 cost effective than anywhere . Else 05:25.630 --> 05:28.679 this year we in Ukraine want to set a 05:28.679 --> 05:32.540 record for the number and quality 05:32.750 --> 05:36.140 of drones we produce and get from our , 05:36.350 --> 05:39.230 from our partners and we are focusing 05:39.230 --> 05:42.890 on drones that our . need to hold the 05:42.890 --> 05:46.160 front lines and drones essential for 05:46.160 --> 05:49.549 ensuring security like maritime drones 05:49.760 --> 05:52.570 and drones made for deep strikes on the 05:52.570 --> 05:54.890 enemy's military facilities and 05:54.890 --> 05:56.890 infrastructure in their territory . 05:57.420 --> 06:00.100 We've already signed a significant 06:00.100 --> 06:03.500 number of contracts with many more 06:03.500 --> 06:06.350 still in the world , and I urge all of 06:06.350 --> 06:10.179 you to get even more actively involved 06:10.179 --> 06:13.450 in building up this arsenal of drones . 06:13.820 --> 06:15.440 Ukrainians have the The most 06:15.929 --> 06:18.262 experienced in Europe with using drones , 06:18.262 --> 06:20.850 and we also have the biggest , biggest 06:20.850 --> 06:23.929 capacity in Europe to produce drones , 06:23.970 --> 06:26.850 so , please invest more in this 06:26.850 --> 06:28.961 Ukrainian strengths because after the 06:28.961 --> 06:31.519 war it will also be your strength . 06:32.000 --> 06:35.239 Second . Invest in the talented people 06:35.239 --> 06:38.779 in your countries who can help make all 06:38.779 --> 06:41.049 of us stronger in the drone field . 06:41.739 --> 06:44.850 Next , we , most of the countries , 06:45.079 --> 06:48.750 with most of the countries represented 06:49.100 --> 06:51.709 here , we already have bilateral 06:51.709 --> 06:54.100 security cooperation . I'm grateful to 06:54.100 --> 06:57.260 those countries with which we've signed 06:57.260 --> 07:00.019 bilateral security agreements , 27 of 07:00.019 --> 07:03.290 them as of today . And fully 07:03.290 --> 07:05.859 implementing these agreements is a real 07:05.859 --> 07:08.859 contribution , not only to our security 07:08.859 --> 07:11.890 in Ukraine but also to your security . 07:12.459 --> 07:14.859 But we are a bigger number here in 07:14.859 --> 07:18.140 Ramstein , much more bigger . Let's 07:18.140 --> 07:20.579 pull our strengths together and make 07:20.579 --> 07:22.540 such agreements with all the 07:22.540 --> 07:25.140 participants , and I'm asking my 07:25.380 --> 07:28.140 Minister of Defense to work with the 07:28.140 --> 07:31.980 Secretary and with all the ministers to 07:31.980 --> 07:34.459 increase the number of these documents . 07:34.579 --> 07:36.635 Of course , if partners will support 07:36.635 --> 07:40.529 this idea . And I know that 07:40.529 --> 07:42.640 it will strengthen our front line and 07:42.640 --> 07:44.807 it will also protect , which is very , 07:44.970 --> 07:47.192 very important , especially in winter , 07:47.192 --> 07:49.720 it will protect our energy sector too , 07:50.089 --> 07:52.145 not only in Ukraine but also in your 07:52.145 --> 07:54.399 lands . It will boost the security 07:54.399 --> 07:57.649 programs and now we see all the reports 07:57.649 --> 08:01.500 with . Underwater cables in the Baltic 08:01.790 --> 08:05.470 Sea and we all see drone incidents in 08:05.470 --> 08:08.480 some countries that are raising serious 08:08.480 --> 08:11.149 concerns . We see destabilization in 08:11.149 --> 08:14.260 Africa which threatens Europe with new 08:14.260 --> 08:16.790 migration waves , and we are also 08:16.790 --> 08:18.885 learning more . About our Russian 08:18.885 --> 08:21.674 intelligence paid militants in 08:21.674 --> 08:23.915 Afghanistan to target coalition 08:23.915 --> 08:26.915 soldiers when your troops were present 08:26.915 --> 08:29.915 there , Moscow cashed in to kill your 08:29.915 --> 08:32.474 soldiers , American soldiers , NATO 08:32.474 --> 08:34.724 country soldiers . How can this be 08:34.724 --> 08:38.090 forgiven or forgotten ? Russia's 08:38.280 --> 08:41.020 hybrid aggression and sabotage against 08:41.020 --> 08:44.000 the entire Western world is ongoing , 08:44.289 --> 08:47.210 and only by keeping and strengthening 08:47.210 --> 08:50.489 our cooperation , by boosting our 08:50.489 --> 08:52.510 agreements and coalitions , can we 08:52.510 --> 08:55.289 truly protect the normal lives of 08:55.289 --> 08:59.169 people in all our countries . I 08:59.169 --> 09:02.190 do everything . I came to end this war 09:02.190 --> 09:05.090 with dignity for Ukraine and all of 09:05.090 --> 09:07.989 Europe this year , and I know I can 09:07.989 --> 09:11.169 count on your support , and we all must 09:11.169 --> 09:14.210 remember that ending the war is our 09:14.210 --> 09:18.210 shared goal , our , not Russians , it's 09:18.210 --> 09:20.543 what Ukrainians , Europeans , Americans , 09:20.609 --> 09:23.409 and many of our global partners want 09:23.409 --> 09:26.390 countries as far apart . Japan , Saudi 09:26.390 --> 09:29.590 Arabia , and Argentina also wish us 09:29.590 --> 09:33.390 peace , but Here is the thing 09:34.010 --> 09:37.320 Putin is not just holding on to his 09:37.320 --> 09:39.760 investments in aggression , he is 09:39.760 --> 09:43.030 doubling down . He's even started 09:43.289 --> 09:46.520 basically hiring soldiers from North 09:46.520 --> 09:49.630 Korea to keep this war going . North 09:49.630 --> 09:52.940 Korea studies modern warfare . They do 09:53.150 --> 09:56.020 not value their people , and we know it . 09:56.349 --> 09:59.780 They lose them 4000 as for today , 10:00.190 --> 10:03.030 but Pyongyang gets experience cheap to 10:03.030 --> 10:06.750 re-export the war maybe there in 10:06.750 --> 10:10.150 the Pacific . At the same time , 10:10.940 --> 10:14.090 This collusion with North Korea shows 10:14.090 --> 10:16.979 Putin's weakness because no ruler in 10:16.979 --> 10:20.020 Moscow would ever lower themselves to 10:20.020 --> 10:22.580 back in Pyongyang unless facing 10:22.580 --> 10:26.330 critical problems . So we've got To 10:26.330 --> 10:29.500 keep the pressure on Russia . That's 10:29.500 --> 10:31.580 what ensures our soldiers get the 10:31.580 --> 10:33.739 weapons they need . That's what 10:33.739 --> 10:36.859 sanctions are for , and I'm asking all 10:36.859 --> 10:39.330 our partners , especially the US and 10:39.330 --> 10:41.799 the EU , to turn up the . Hit 10:43.169 --> 10:46.690 on Russia's energy sector . Sanctions 10:46.690 --> 10:48.770 are needed against every element of 10:48.770 --> 10:51.099 Russian energy , and the Russian tank 10:51.099 --> 10:53.450 and fleet must be stopped . Russia's 10:53.450 --> 10:56.489 war budget for 2025 is 10:56.489 --> 11:00.369 25% bigger than last year's . If 11:00.369 --> 11:03.179 we want to stop the killing , we have 11:03.179 --> 11:06.700 got . To cut off Putin's cash 11:06.700 --> 11:09.520 flow . Putin will start thinking about 11:09.520 --> 11:13.020 peace only when his inner circle tells 11:13.020 --> 11:16.700 him he's out of money . And one 11:16.700 --> 11:20.039 more thing . The key to 11:20.599 --> 11:23.400 resisting aggression is motivation , 11:23.849 --> 11:26.580 and we know it motivation to risk your 11:26.580 --> 11:29.650 life to save your country , but the 11:29.650 --> 11:32.169 motivation needs fuel and the best fuel 11:32.169 --> 11:35.080 is success . I mean successful actions , 11:35.400 --> 11:38.260 successful agreements when our troops . 11:39.500 --> 11:41.479 Can shoot down Russian missiles , 11:41.580 --> 11:43.900 including ballistic ones , and keep 11:43.900 --> 11:46.859 Russian aircraft away from Ukraine . It 11:46.859 --> 11:50.390 provides the motivation we desperately 11:50.739 --> 11:54.119 need . And we've had talks with the US 11:54.119 --> 11:57.400 about licensing the production of air 11:57.400 --> 12:00.239 defense systems and missiles here in 12:00.239 --> 12:02.440 Ukraine , and this could become a 12:02.440 --> 12:04.630 significant part of our security 12:04.630 --> 12:07.750 guarantees and it's absolutely doable , 12:08.169 --> 12:10.760 but we must keep in mind that the last 12:10.760 --> 12:13.630 NATO summit promises haven't been 12:13.630 --> 12:16.440 fulfilled yet . We need very much . We 12:16.440 --> 12:19.200 need air defense systems , you . Uh , 12:19.260 --> 12:21.371 gave us already , thank you so much , 12:21.371 --> 12:23.260 and we need very much systems you 12:23.260 --> 12:26.539 promised us , and you've seen what 12:26.539 --> 12:29.849 happened yesterday in our city , 12:30.140 --> 12:34.109 Zabri . Russia's bombs killed 13 12:34.109 --> 12:37.590 people and 112 were injured . That was 12:37.590 --> 12:40.549 just one day , just one attack , one 12:40.549 --> 12:43.500 strike from the air . We must stop 12:43.500 --> 12:47.500 Russia's terror , and you can do it , 12:47.559 --> 12:50.710 and we ask for urgent deliveries of air 12:50.710 --> 12:53.630 defense systems . We also need to 12:53.630 --> 12:55.789 deliver on all our agreements for 12:55.789 --> 12:59.565 frontline . And I want to thank again 12:59.565 --> 13:02.635 every country helping us with artillery , 13:02.885 --> 13:05.284 armored vehicles , and everything else 13:05.284 --> 13:07.955 we need . Our men and women on the 13:07.955 --> 13:10.684 front lines need to feel that the world 13:10.684 --> 13:14.005 has their back and nothing proves 13:14.005 --> 13:17.205 nothing proves that better than making 13:17.205 --> 13:20.044 sure they have what they need to hit 13:20.044 --> 13:23.789 back at Russian attacks . Last year 13:24.780 --> 13:27.340 France come up with the idea to deploy 13:27.340 --> 13:30.500 partners contingents in Ukraine , and 13:30.500 --> 13:33.919 you know it . To make peace closer , 13:33.969 --> 13:37.369 and we all understand as for today 13:37.369 --> 13:41.049 Putin's aims remain . Unchanged and he 13:41.049 --> 13:44.239 wants to totally destroy Ukraine and to 13:44.239 --> 13:47.140 break all of us and you too . That's 13:47.520 --> 13:49.880 that's why our goal to find as many 13:49.880 --> 13:52.400 instruments as possible to force Russia 13:52.400 --> 13:54.359 to peace . I believe that such 13:54.359 --> 13:56.640 deployment of partners contingent is 13:56.640 --> 13:59.159 one of the best instruments . Let's be 13:59.159 --> 14:02.229 more practical in making it possible , 14:02.559 --> 14:04.780 and we are . Heard 14:06.190 --> 14:09.469 signals also from some of our partners 14:09.469 --> 14:12.669 from the United Kingdom in support of 14:12.669 --> 14:15.429 this , and we must be brave and we must 14:15.429 --> 14:18.799 propose truly strong instruments . Take , 14:19.229 --> 14:21.007 for example , take the course . 14:21.007 --> 14:24.619 Cooperation . It's one of our wins , I 14:24.619 --> 14:27.260 think one of the biggest wins , not 14:27.260 --> 14:29.593 just last year , but throughout the war , 14:29.619 --> 14:33.210 Russia had to pull almost 60,000 14:33.210 --> 14:36.219 troops of the Ukrainian front to deal 14:36.219 --> 14:40.000 with it . And as of this Monday , 14:40.210 --> 14:43.719 it's been 5 months , 5 months since our 14:43.719 --> 14:47.049 troops have maintained a buffer zone on 14:47.049 --> 14:49.700 Russian territory . Many of Russian 14:49.700 --> 14:52.270 threats and bold claims turned out to 14:52.270 --> 14:54.780 be bluffing , especially after Ukraine 14:54.780 --> 14:57.500 has moved into the Kursk region , and 14:57.500 --> 15:00.059 I'm sure even more of their threats 15:00.059 --> 15:03.530 will prove to be bluffs if we all work 15:03.530 --> 15:06.299 even harder . We all even harder 15:06.299 --> 15:08.489 together to push Russia toward peace . 15:08.780 --> 15:11.058 Thank you very much for your attention . 15:11.058 --> 15:14.130 Thank you Secretary stay confident 15:14.130 --> 15:17.000 Slavokrainian . Thank you so much . 15:27.539 --> 15:29.761 Well , thank you , President Zelinsky . 15:29.761 --> 15:32.179 I know that I speak on behalf of 15:32.179 --> 15:34.890 everyone here . The spirit of Ukraine 15:34.890 --> 15:37.130 has inspired us all , and it has 15:37.130 --> 15:39.929 reminded us all to never take our 15:39.929 --> 15:42.849 freedom for granted . That's been true 15:42.849 --> 15:45.690 ever since the contact group convened 15:45.690 --> 15:48.849 for the first time here on April 26 , 15:48.969 --> 15:52.690 2022 . That first meeting and today's 15:52.690 --> 15:54.746 meeting would not have been possible 15:55.169 --> 15:57.890 without our host , so let me invite 15:57.890 --> 16:01.250 Minister Pistorius to say a few words . 16:01.409 --> 16:04.039 Boris . Thank you very much , dear 16:04.039 --> 16:06.150 Lloyd , Dear Zelinsky , dear , dear , 16:07.929 --> 16:10.210 dear friends and colleagues , I'm 16:10.210 --> 16:12.377 pleased to welcome you to Ramstein for 16:12.377 --> 16:15.359 the first UDCG session in 2025 . 16:16.510 --> 16:18.909 For the 25 25th time since the 16:18.909 --> 16:20.687 beginning of the Russian war of 16:20.687 --> 16:22.760 aggression against Ukraine , we are 16:22.760 --> 16:25.260 gathered here in our support to Ukraine , 16:25.669 --> 16:28.229 demonstrating our unity as well as our 16:28.229 --> 16:31.789 unwavering solidarity . Since the 16:31.929 --> 16:35.330 early 1950s , Rammstein Air Base has 16:35.330 --> 16:37.369 been the gateway for US troops to 16:37.369 --> 16:39.929 Germany and Europe . It has served as 16:39.929 --> 16:43.320 an important hub for US power in order 16:43.650 --> 16:47.330 to protect European allies . Rammstein 16:47.330 --> 16:49.530 Air Base is a symbol for the strong 16:49.530 --> 16:52.369 solidarity between the US , Germany , 16:52.409 --> 16:54.849 and our European friends working 16:54.849 --> 16:56.793 together as reliable and committed 16:56.793 --> 16:59.929 partners . For decades , the name 16:59.929 --> 17:02.640 Ramstein has stood for our ability to 17:02.640 --> 17:05.489 successfully defend freedom together 17:05.489 --> 17:08.300 with our partners . Therefore , it is a 17:08.300 --> 17:10.699 perfect place to bring together the 17:10.699 --> 17:13.579 partners of Ukraine today . We will 17:13.579 --> 17:15.690 discuss how to fulfill our unwavering 17:15.690 --> 17:17.619 commitment to support Ukraine to 17:17.619 --> 17:20.530 guarantee its freedom and security . 17:21.359 --> 17:23.989 Lloyd , let me turn to you first . 17:25.069 --> 17:28.060 I think I can speak on behalf of 17:28.060 --> 17:30.510 everyone present when extending my 17:30.510 --> 17:33.199 sincere gratitude . Thank you for 17:33.199 --> 17:36.239 initiating the UDCG . Thank you for 17:36.239 --> 17:38.406 your extraordinary leadership over the 17:38.406 --> 17:42.130 past almost 3 years . I vividly 17:42.130 --> 17:44.859 remember the day after I took office as 17:44.859 --> 17:47.699 defense minister two years ago . It was 17:47.699 --> 17:50.939 the day I joined the UDCG for the first 17:50.939 --> 17:53.949 time . It was a Friday and the day you , 17:53.979 --> 17:56.035 Lloyd , welcomed me to this group of 17:56.035 --> 17:58.949 partners . Thank you to your warm and 17:59.189 --> 18:01.229 yet vigorous nature you managed to 18:01.229 --> 18:03.630 bring together and lead an ever growing 18:03.630 --> 18:06.510 coalition of partners . As of today , 18:06.949 --> 18:09.949 more than 50 nations have joined our 18:09.949 --> 18:12.910 support efforts for Ukraine . You did 18:12.910 --> 18:15.280 not falter in your commitment , not 18:15.280 --> 18:18.349 even when faced with personal hardship . 18:19.270 --> 18:21.709 This was highly impressive and moved me 18:21.709 --> 18:24.459 deeply . Lloyd , your personal 18:24.459 --> 18:27.030 dedication has made a major difference . 18:27.550 --> 18:29.717 Without you , your commitment and your 18:29.717 --> 18:31.589 leadership , Ukraine's fight for 18:31.589 --> 18:34.420 freedom would not have yielded the same 18:34.420 --> 18:37.949 results , results must now 18:37.949 --> 18:40.790 inspire us to make all the effort for 18:40.790 --> 18:44.040 what is to come . You have demonstrated 18:44.040 --> 18:47.160 to us that I quote you , the price of 18:47.160 --> 18:49.829 principle is always dwarfed by the cost 18:49.829 --> 18:52.839 of capitulation , as you put it in such 18:52.839 --> 18:56.420 a compelling way . We owe you your 18:56.420 --> 18:58.920 deepest , deepest gratitude for this 18:58.920 --> 19:00.309 leadership performance . 19:11.800 --> 19:14.680 Led by the US , the UCG has proved 19:14.680 --> 19:17.719 highly successful . It is all about 19:17.719 --> 19:19.329 keeping this format alive . 19:21.579 --> 19:23.801 My dear colleagues , it is an honor and 19:23.801 --> 19:25.857 a pleasure for Germany to be able to 19:25.857 --> 19:27.968 come together with so many government 19:27.968 --> 19:30.246 representatives today . Laskovorosimov , 19:30.246 --> 19:32.579 a very warm welcome in particular to 19:32.579 --> 19:35.219 all our Ukrainian friends . I wish you 19:35.219 --> 19:37.420 all a successful meeting today and all 19:37.420 --> 19:41.099 a happy and hopefully maybe perhaps a 19:41.099 --> 19:43.550 more peaceful year 2025 . Thanks a lot . 19:51.250 --> 19:54.810 Ministers Pistorius , thanks again , a 19:54.810 --> 19:56.977 special thanks for those very generous 19:56.977 --> 19:58.921 words and thanks for all that your 19:58.921 --> 20:00.810 government has done for Ukraine . 20:01.449 --> 20:03.505 Ladies and gentlemen , this is a big 20:03.505 --> 20:06.489 day and this is a great cause . I 20:06.489 --> 20:08.656 continue to be moved by the dedication 20:08.656 --> 20:10.822 of the countries that are here today , 20:10.822 --> 20:13.010 and I continue to be inspired by this 20:13.010 --> 20:16.040 contact group . You are all helping to 20:16.040 --> 20:18.151 ensure that Ukraine can defend itself 20:18.151 --> 20:20.829 and fight for its freedom . Nearly 3 20:20.829 --> 20:23.239 years ago we gathered at Ramstein for 20:23.239 --> 20:25.719 the first time . It was a moment of 20:25.719 --> 20:29.000 great uncertainty and urgency . The 20:29.000 --> 20:30.944 Kremlin was just 2 months into its 20:30.944 --> 20:32.778 full-scale invasion of Ukraine . 20:33.359 --> 20:36.520 Ukraine's survival was in danger and so 20:36.520 --> 20:39.640 much was unsettled at our first meeting 20:39.640 --> 20:42.849 at Ramstein . But two things were 20:42.849 --> 20:45.469 already clear . The Ukrainian people 20:45.469 --> 20:48.099 had chosen to fight . And they needed 20:48.099 --> 20:50.266 help from countries around the world . 20:50.750 --> 20:53.209 So we gathered here and we began to 20:53.209 --> 20:55.098 coordinate security assistance to 20:55.098 --> 20:58.579 Ukraine swiftly and decisively . Back 20:58.579 --> 21:02.260 in April of 2022 , few people could 21:02.260 --> 21:04.482 have imagined the level of support that 21:04.482 --> 21:06.979 our countries have delivered to Ukraine . 21:08.229 --> 21:11.140 Putin clearly never imagined it . 21:12.310 --> 21:14.310 In the first months of the war , we 21:14.310 --> 21:16.143 provided everything from javelin 21:16.143 --> 21:17.921 missiles and singer missiles to 21:17.921 --> 21:19.921 artillery systems . And that helped 21:19.921 --> 21:22.032 Ukraine withstand the first thrust of 21:22.032 --> 21:24.160 Putin's invasion . And month after 21:24.160 --> 21:26.430 month , members of this contact group 21:26.430 --> 21:28.880 have helped provide , produce , and 21:28.880 --> 21:31.719 sustain the systems and the munitions 21:31.719 --> 21:34.469 that Ukraine needs , and that includes 21:34.469 --> 21:36.580 advanced air defense systems and long 21:36.580 --> 21:39.530 range strike capabilities . Ukraine has 21:39.530 --> 21:42.109 suffered terribly from Russia's 21:42.109 --> 21:45.339 imperial aggression . But the sustained 21:45.510 --> 21:47.732 principled commitments by the countries 21:47.732 --> 21:50.150 gathered here have made all the 21:50.150 --> 21:53.219 difference . This contact group has 21:53.219 --> 21:55.959 evolved . And so have the capabilities 21:55.959 --> 21:58.939 that its members have provided . We 21:58.939 --> 22:01.770 have stood up 8 capability coalitions , 22:02.170 --> 22:04.339 and they are led by 14 countries as 22:04.339 --> 22:07.380 well as Ukraine . In close partnership 22:07.380 --> 22:09.602 with our national armaments directors , 22:09.602 --> 22:12.359 these new coalitions ensure that our 22:12.359 --> 22:14.709 support is coordinated , efficient . 22:15.349 --> 22:18.060 And sustainable . And their work has 22:18.060 --> 22:21.270 helped Ukraine to more swiftly absorb . 22:22.430 --> 22:24.763 The security assistance that we provide . 22:25.689 --> 22:27.689 Thanks to the leadership of the Air 22:27.689 --> 22:30.119 Force coalition , Ukraine is now flying 22:30.119 --> 22:33.569 4th generation fighters , and thanks to 22:33.569 --> 22:36.050 the maritime coalition , Ukraine is 22:36.050 --> 22:38.106 building up the capabilities that it 22:38.106 --> 22:40.250 needs to defeat and deter Russian 22:40.250 --> 22:43.489 aggression in the Black Sea . Earlier 22:43.489 --> 22:46.150 today The coalition leadership group 22:46.150 --> 22:49.390 met again , including representatives 22:49.390 --> 22:52.829 from our 15 countries . And they 22:52.829 --> 22:55.349 endorse capability coalition roadmaps 22:55.349 --> 22:58.060 leading to the year 2027 . 22:59.180 --> 23:01.479 And through the capability coalitions , 23:01.689 --> 23:03.578 partner countries can continue to 23:03.578 --> 23:05.810 support Ukraine's urgent battlefield 23:05.810 --> 23:08.130 needs , and they can continue to help 23:08.130 --> 23:11.050 Ukraine build a force that will deter 23:11.050 --> 23:13.161 more Russian aggression over the long 23:13.161 --> 23:15.849 haul as Ukraine implements its own 23:15.849 --> 23:18.810 critical reforms on mobilization and 23:18.810 --> 23:22.550 other areas . The Kremlin's assaults 23:22.550 --> 23:24.839 today remind us of the scope of the 23:24.839 --> 23:28.300 danger . Putin isn't letting up . 23:28.839 --> 23:30.783 His forces continue their grinding 23:30.783 --> 23:33.890 offensive in the east of Ukraine . In 23:33.890 --> 23:35.890 Kursk , Russian troops are fighting 23:35.890 --> 23:39.400 alongside North Korean forces to drive 23:39.400 --> 23:41.930 back Ukraine's troops . And meanwhile , 23:42.010 --> 23:44.010 the Kremlin continues to bombard 23:44.010 --> 23:47.599 Ukraine's civilians and 23:47.849 --> 23:50.199 critical infrastructure without pity or 23:50.199 --> 23:53.939 pause . And yet again , Ukraine faces a 23:53.939 --> 23:57.380 winter of war . And yet again , Putin 23:57.380 --> 24:00.339 is targeting Ukraine's energy grid . 24:01.229 --> 24:03.689 And he's using increasingly ruthless 24:03.939 --> 24:07.270 missile and drone strikes . In February 24:07.270 --> 24:09.381 we will mark 3 years of Putin's war . 24:10.369 --> 24:13.400 And the stakes are still enormous for 24:13.400 --> 24:16.439 all of our security . If Putin swallows 24:16.439 --> 24:18.880 Ukraine , his appetite will only grow . 24:19.770 --> 24:22.390 If autocrats conclude that democracies 24:22.390 --> 24:25.119 will lose their nerve , surrender their 24:25.119 --> 24:27.589 interests , and forget their principles , 24:27.790 --> 24:31.540 we will only see more land grabs . If 24:31.540 --> 24:34.180 tyrants learn that aggression pays , we 24:34.180 --> 24:36.402 will only invite even more aggression , 24:36.420 --> 24:40.030 chaos , and war . But we are still 24:40.030 --> 24:43.199 determined to not let that happen . And 24:43.199 --> 24:45.920 so are the free people of Ukraine . And 24:45.920 --> 24:48.031 so are the nations of goodwill around 24:48.031 --> 24:49.920 the world and around this table . 24:50.319 --> 24:52.375 Retreat will only provide incentives 24:52.375 --> 24:54.599 for more imperial aggression , and if 24:54.599 --> 24:56.710 we flinch , you can count on Putin to 24:56.710 --> 24:58.910 push further and punch harder . 25:00.020 --> 25:03.589 Ukraine's survival is on the line . But 25:03.589 --> 25:06.510 so is the security of Europe , the 25:06.510 --> 25:09.540 United States , and the world . And 25:09.540 --> 25:13.420 that's why some 50 members of 25:13.420 --> 25:15.476 this contact group continue to stand 25:15.476 --> 25:19.390 united with Ukraine . And now , as you 25:19.390 --> 25:21.557 all know , today marks my last contact 25:21.557 --> 25:24.250 group . And I am incredibly proud of 25:24.250 --> 25:26.770 what we've achieved together . Over the 25:26.770 --> 25:28.881 past few years we've moved heaven and 25:28.881 --> 25:30.770 earth to get Ukraine the security 25:30.770 --> 25:33.530 assistance that it needs , and together 25:33.530 --> 25:36.650 we've committed more than $122 billion 25:36.650 --> 25:38.729 worth of security assistance and 25:38.729 --> 25:40.840 expanded factories around the world , 25:41.290 --> 25:43.290 and that has rushed capabilities to 25:43.290 --> 25:45.457 Ukraine ranging from artillery systems 25:45.457 --> 25:48.209 to ammunition to main battle tanks . It 25:48.209 --> 25:50.042 includes air defense platforms , 25:50.042 --> 25:52.420 interceptors , and drones . In just the 25:52.420 --> 25:54.642 past few weeks we've seen contact group 25:54.642 --> 25:56.660 members step up with important new 25:56.660 --> 25:58.939 donations . Germany announced that it 25:58.939 --> 26:02.660 will deliver $680 million worth of 26:02.660 --> 26:04.716 military equipment to Ukraine by the 26:04.716 --> 26:06.910 end of the year . Others have already 26:06.910 --> 26:10.510 budgeted generous sums generous sums of 26:10.510 --> 26:14.180 2025 . And Norway has committed more 26:14.180 --> 26:16.410 than $2 billion for military support , 26:16.939 --> 26:19.699 and the UK is allocating 3 billion 26:19.699 --> 26:22.790 pounds annually . As a percentage of 26:22.790 --> 26:26.060 GDP , Denmark , Estonia , and Latvia 26:26.430 --> 26:28.374 are now the top three providers of 26:28.374 --> 26:32.010 assistance to Ukraine . So we must not 26:32.010 --> 26:34.709 let up , and that's why I'm announcing 26:34.709 --> 26:37.060 today another presidential drawdown 26:37.530 --> 26:40.699 authority package valued at $500 26:40.699 --> 26:43.050 million . It includes additional 26:43.050 --> 26:45.106 missiles for Ukrainian air defense , 26:45.530 --> 26:48.050 more ammunition , more air to ground 26:48.050 --> 26:50.439 munitions , and other equipment to 26:50.439 --> 26:53.750 support Ukraine's F-16s . Here again in 26:53.750 --> 26:56.829 Ramstein , I am determined to do all I 26:56.829 --> 26:59.319 can to help Ukraine live in freedom and 26:59.319 --> 27:03.119 security and to forge a more just and 27:03.119 --> 27:05.780 decent world . And together 27:07.199 --> 27:10.130 Our work must continue . Here is the 27:10.130 --> 27:12.839 fundamental truth . Ukraine's fight 27:12.839 --> 27:15.359 matters to all of us . As I said here 27:15.359 --> 27:17.470 in Ramstein back in our first meeting 27:17.470 --> 27:20.810 in April 2022 . Putin's war is a 27:20.810 --> 27:22.921 challenge to free people everywhere , 27:23.369 --> 27:25.369 and we all have a stake in ensuring 27:25.369 --> 27:27.609 that autocrats cannot place their 27:27.609 --> 27:29.890 imperial ambitions ahead of the bedrock 27:29.890 --> 27:32.057 rights of free and sovereign peoples . 27:33.150 --> 27:36.349 Ukraine is waging a just war of 27:36.349 --> 27:38.510 self-defense , and it is one of the 27:38.510 --> 27:41.260 great causes of our time . And chairing 27:41.260 --> 27:43.427 this contact group has been one of the 27:43.427 --> 27:47.130 great honors of my life . But this is a 27:47.130 --> 27:50.530 day for business and not talk . And I'm 27:50.530 --> 27:52.641 looking forward to yet another highly 27:52.641 --> 27:55.010 productive meeting , and so we'll pause 27:55.010 --> 27:57.849 as our friends in the media depart and 27:57.849 --> 28:00.071 then we'll get to work . Thank you very 28:00.071 --> 28:00.199 much .