WEBVTT 00:07.019 --> 00:08.963 Well , good morning everyone , and 00:08.963 --> 00:11.075 welcome back to Ramstein . It's great 00:11.075 --> 00:13.297 to see you , everyone . And I'm honored 00:13.297 --> 00:15.297 that you could join us for the 25th 00:15.297 --> 00:17.130 gathering of the Ukraine Defense 00:17.130 --> 00:19.370 Contact Group . I know that you've seen 00:19.370 --> 00:21.909 the American flags flying at half-mast 00:21.909 --> 00:24.690 today . That's a tribute to the late 00:24.690 --> 00:27.280 President Jimmy Carter , who will be 00:27.280 --> 00:29.502 honored today in our nation's capital . 00:30.299 --> 00:32.188 And I hope that we will all carry 00:32.188 --> 00:35.090 forward his deep devotion to the cause 00:35.090 --> 00:37.759 of human rights and human decency . 00:39.180 --> 00:42.790 Now All Americans are also watching the 00:42.790 --> 00:44.901 terrifying wildfires that are ripping 00:44.901 --> 00:46.790 ripping through parts of Southern 00:46.790 --> 00:49.279 California . The department will 00:49.279 --> 00:52.330 continue to stand ready to Surge 00:52.330 --> 00:55.009 support as needed . That includes 00:55.009 --> 00:57.209 federal air assets that California can 00:57.209 --> 01:00.090 request to help fight the fire from the 01:00.090 --> 01:03.500 sky . And many US installations , US 01:03.500 --> 01:05.722 military installations in the area that 01:05.722 --> 01:07.833 have personnel and equipment that can 01:07.833 --> 01:11.349 also be urged to fight this awful blaze , 01:11.650 --> 01:14.400 surged to fight this awful blaze . We 01:14.400 --> 01:16.567 stand with the people of California in 01:16.567 --> 01:20.110 this terrible time . And now let me 01:20.110 --> 01:21.943 turn to our agenda here . Let me 01:21.943 --> 01:23.999 welcome our Ukrainian colleagues who 01:23.999 --> 01:26.470 have again made the trip from Kiev to 01:26.470 --> 01:29.919 Ramstein . As you know , we are honored 01:29.919 --> 01:32.160 to be joined today by a leader who has 01:32.160 --> 01:34.819 made history . President Zelinsky . 01:36.139 --> 01:36.480 Mr . 01:45.029 --> 01:47.196 Mr . President , it's an honor to have 01:47.196 --> 01:49.362 you back in Ramstein . The whole world 01:49.362 --> 01:51.349 has been moved by the courage of 01:51.349 --> 01:54.069 Ukraine's forces and the strength of 01:54.069 --> 01:57.440 Ukraine's people . And you know 01:57.440 --> 01:59.551 firsthand how much this contact group 01:59.551 --> 02:01.440 has meant for Ukraine's fight for 02:01.440 --> 02:04.699 freedom . President Zelinsky , the 02:04.699 --> 02:05.699 floor is yours . 02:12.250 --> 02:14.479 Thank you very much . Thank you for 02:14.479 --> 02:18.029 your words . Strong words about our 02:18.029 --> 02:22.029 people and uh um about us . Thank 02:22.029 --> 02:25.619 you very much . And I'm grateful to you 02:25.619 --> 02:28.419 for your personal leadership during all 02:28.419 --> 02:31.929 these years and your personal 02:32.100 --> 02:34.940 involvement in the United States for 02:34.940 --> 02:37.220 coordinating this format and working 02:37.220 --> 02:39.740 together with us since the start of the 02:39.740 --> 02:43.429 full scale war . Uh , 02:44.279 --> 02:47.800 Minister Pistorius , and I dearly 02:48.250 --> 02:50.194 appreciate your help and Germany's 02:51.369 --> 02:54.479 impactful support for all our people 02:54.770 --> 02:58.710 for Ukraine . Ladies and gentlemen , 02:59.970 --> 03:02.309 dear friends , it's clear that a new 03:02.309 --> 03:05.190 chapter starts for Europe and the 03:05.190 --> 03:07.750 entire world just 11 days from now , at 03:07.750 --> 03:10.429 a time when we have to cooperate even 03:10.429 --> 03:14.199 more , rely on one another even more , 03:14.460 --> 03:17.139 and achieve even greater results 03:17.139 --> 03:20.759 together . And I see this as a time of 03:20.759 --> 03:24.679 opportunities . And in in almost 3 03:24.679 --> 03:28.399 years of full-scale war , we've shown 03:28.399 --> 03:31.350 that when we come and belong together , 03:32.000 --> 03:34.960 no one is too small to make a real 03:34.960 --> 03:37.839 impact on history , and we've come such 03:37.839 --> 03:41.369 a long way . That it would honestly be 03:41.369 --> 03:44.850 crazy to drop the ball now and not keep 03:44.850 --> 03:47.289 building on the defense coalitions 03:47.289 --> 03:50.130 we've created , especially since they 03:50.130 --> 03:53.610 are already helping us grow and 03:53.610 --> 03:56.649 strengthen what's basically our shared 03:56.649 --> 03:59.729 defense power . No matter what's going 03:59.729 --> 04:03.089 on in the world , everyone wants to 04:03.089 --> 04:05.809 feel sure that their country will not 04:05.809 --> 04:09.410 just be erased off the map . That 04:09.410 --> 04:13.210 used to depend on a handful of big 04:13.210 --> 04:15.929 capitals , but now it's on all of us . 04:16.640 --> 04:19.149 On how we work together , how ready we 04:19.149 --> 04:22.950 are to own our future , and how 04:22.950 --> 04:25.950 well we can convince our partners to 04:25.950 --> 04:29.190 stand with us . The more determination 04:29.190 --> 04:32.269 we show in defending our interests , 04:32.429 --> 04:35.260 the more interest our partners , and 04:35.260 --> 04:38.899 especially the US , will see it good 04:38.899 --> 04:40.549 to stay on our side . 04:42.970 --> 04:45.081 Yesterday I held a special meeting of 04:45.081 --> 04:47.760 the Supreme Commander in Chief's staff , 04:48.170 --> 04:50.739 and the focus was on the production and 04:50.739 --> 04:54.089 supply of drones for our soldiers , for 04:54.089 --> 04:57.130 our army , and electronic warfare . 04:57.279 --> 04:59.850 Drones are something that has already 04:59.850 --> 05:03.140 changed the nature of war . And 05:04.040 --> 05:06.880 the changes are far from over . Today 05:06.880 --> 05:09.549 there is a direct dependence to stop 05:09.549 --> 05:11.790 the advance of the enemy , to stop 05:11.790 --> 05:14.709 losing people and territories . We need 05:14.709 --> 05:18.149 drones . Drones deter the enemy , keep 05:18.149 --> 05:21.130 them at the distance . It can be done . 05:21.359 --> 05:23.880 Production of drones in Ukraine is more 05:23.880 --> 05:27.019 cost effective than anywhere . Else 05:27.019 --> 05:30.070 this year , we in Ukraine want to set a 05:30.070 --> 05:33.929 record for the number and quality 05:34.140 --> 05:37.489 of drones we produce and get from our , 05:37.739 --> 05:40.640 from our partners . And we are focusing 05:40.640 --> 05:43.920 on drones that our brigades need to 05:43.920 --> 05:46.640 hold the front lines , and drones 05:46.640 --> 05:49.359 essential for ensuring security like 05:49.359 --> 05:52.679 maritime drones and drones made for 05:52.679 --> 05:55.100 deep strikes on the enemy's military 05:55.100 --> 05:57.609 facilities and infrastructure in their 05:57.609 --> 06:00.600 territory . We've already signed a 06:00.600 --> 06:04.160 significant number of contracts with 06:04.160 --> 06:06.399 many more still in the works , and I 06:06.399 --> 06:09.679 urge all of you to get even more . 06:09.970 --> 06:12.869 Actively involved in building up this 06:12.869 --> 06:16.260 arsenal of drones . Ukrainians have the 06:16.260 --> 06:18.880 most experience in Europe with using 06:18.880 --> 06:21.380 drones , and we also have the biggest , 06:21.809 --> 06:24.890 biggest capacity in Europe to produce 06:24.890 --> 06:27.600 drones . So first , please invest more 06:27.600 --> 06:29.679 in this Ukrainians strengths because 06:29.679 --> 06:32.399 after the war it will also be your 06:32.399 --> 06:35.559 strength . Second . Invest in the 06:35.559 --> 06:38.910 talented people in your countries who 06:38.910 --> 06:41.570 can help make all of us stronger in the 06:41.570 --> 06:45.440 drone field . Next , we , most of the 06:45.440 --> 06:48.070 countries , with most of the countries . 06:49.160 --> 06:52.179 Represented here we already have 06:52.179 --> 06:54.500 bilateral security cooperation . I'm 06:54.500 --> 06:57.880 grateful to those countries with which 06:57.880 --> 06:59.779 we've signed bilateral security 06:59.779 --> 07:03.519 agreements , 27 of them as of today , 07:04.019 --> 07:06.660 and fully implementing these agreements 07:06.660 --> 07:09.940 is a real contribution not only to our 07:09.940 --> 07:12.579 security in Ukraine but also to your 07:12.579 --> 07:15.420 security . But we are a bigger number 07:15.420 --> 07:18.529 here in lunch time , much more bigger . 07:19.220 --> 07:21.660 Let's pull our strengths together and 07:21.660 --> 07:23.940 make such agreements with all the 07:23.940 --> 07:26.540 participants , and I'm asking my 07:26.739 --> 07:29.540 Minister of Defence to work with the 07:29.540 --> 07:33.380 Secretary and with all the ministers to 07:33.380 --> 07:35.859 increase the number of these documents . 07:35.980 --> 07:38.036 Of course , if partners will support 07:38.036 --> 07:42.029 this idea . And I know that it 07:42.029 --> 07:44.140 will strengthen our front line and it 07:44.140 --> 07:46.140 will also protect , which is very , 07:46.390 --> 07:48.612 very important , especially in winter , 07:48.612 --> 07:51.100 it will protect our energy sector too , 07:51.489 --> 07:53.545 not only in Ukraine but also in your 07:53.545 --> 07:55.790 lands . It will boost the security 07:55.790 --> 07:59.029 programs and now we see all the reports 07:59.029 --> 08:02.910 with . Underwater cables in the Baltic 08:03.160 --> 08:06.880 Sea and we all see drone incidents in 08:06.880 --> 08:09.869 some countries that are raising serious 08:09.869 --> 08:12.559 concerns . We see destabilization in 08:12.559 --> 08:15.589 Africa which threatens Europe with new 08:15.589 --> 08:18.160 migration waves , and we are also 08:18.160 --> 08:20.304 learning more . About our Russian 08:20.304 --> 08:23.075 intelligence paid militants in 08:23.075 --> 08:25.315 Afghanistan to target coalition 08:25.315 --> 08:28.274 soldiers when your troops were present 08:28.274 --> 08:31.325 there , Moscow cashed in to kill your 08:31.325 --> 08:33.875 soldiers , American soldiers , NATO 08:33.875 --> 08:36.125 country soldiers . How can this be 08:36.125 --> 08:39.469 forgiven or forgotten ? Russia's 08:39.659 --> 08:42.400 hybrid aggression and sabotage against 08:42.400 --> 08:45.380 the entire Western world is ongoing , 08:45.669 --> 08:48.630 and only by keeping and strengthening 08:48.630 --> 08:51.869 our cooperation , by boosting our 08:51.869 --> 08:53.900 agreements and coalitions , can we 08:53.900 --> 08:56.669 truly protect the normal lives of 08:56.669 --> 09:00.570 people in all our countries . I 09:00.570 --> 09:03.549 do everything I can to end this war 09:03.549 --> 09:06.489 with dignity for Ukraine . And all of 09:06.489 --> 09:09.369 Europe this year , and I know I can 09:09.369 --> 09:12.570 count on your support , and we all must 09:12.570 --> 09:15.609 remember that ending the war is our 09:15.609 --> 09:19.609 shared goal , our , not Russians , it's 09:19.609 --> 09:21.942 what Ukrainians , Europeans , Americans , 09:21.969 --> 09:24.789 and many of our global partners want 09:24.789 --> 09:27.770 countries as far apart as Japan , Saudi 09:27.770 --> 09:31.520 Arabia and Argentina also wish us peace , 09:31.859 --> 09:34.770 but . Here is the thing . 09:35.419 --> 09:38.700 Putin is not just holding on to his 09:38.700 --> 09:41.140 investments in aggression . He is 09:41.140 --> 09:44.679 doubling down . He's even started 09:44.679 --> 09:47.900 basically hiring soldiers from North 09:47.900 --> 09:51.020 Korea to keep this war going . North 09:51.020 --> 09:54.539 Korea studies modern warfare . They do 09:54.539 --> 09:57.409 not value their people , and we know it . 09:57.739 --> 10:01.090 They lose them 4000 as for today . 10:01.520 --> 10:04.440 But Pyongyang gets experienced cheap to 10:04.440 --> 10:08.080 re-export the war maybe there in 10:08.080 --> 10:11.530 the , in the Pacific . At the same time , 10:12.320 --> 10:15.479 This collusion with North Korea shows 10:15.479 --> 10:18.400 Putin's weakness because no ruler in 10:18.400 --> 10:21.400 Moscow would ever lower themselves to 10:21.400 --> 10:23.960 back in Pyongyang unless facing 10:23.960 --> 10:27.719 critical problems . So we've got . To 10:27.719 --> 10:30.890 keep the pressure on Russia . That's 10:30.890 --> 10:32.969 what ensures our soldiers get the 10:32.969 --> 10:35.130 weapons they need . That's what 10:35.130 --> 10:38.219 sanctions are for , and I'm asking all 10:38.219 --> 10:40.719 our partners , especially the US and 10:40.719 --> 10:43.190 the EU , to turn up the . Hit 10:44.559 --> 10:48.080 on Russia's energy sector . Sanctions 10:48.080 --> 10:50.159 are needed against every element of 10:50.159 --> 10:52.489 Russian energy , and the Russian tank 10:52.489 --> 10:54.840 and fleet must be stopped . Russia's 10:54.840 --> 10:57.869 war budget for 2025 is 10:57.869 --> 11:01.799 25% bigger than last year's . If 11:01.799 --> 11:04.559 we want to stop the killing , we have 11:04.559 --> 11:08.539 got . To cut off Putin's cash flow . 11:09.000 --> 11:11.270 Putin will start thinking about peace 11:11.270 --> 11:14.809 only when his inner circle tells him 11:15.039 --> 11:18.919 he's out of money . And one more thing . 11:20.239 --> 11:23.919 The key to resisting aggression is 11:23.919 --> 11:27.200 motivation , and we know it motivation 11:27.200 --> 11:30.669 to risk your life to save your country , 11:30.789 --> 11:33.000 but the motivation needs fuel and the 11:33.000 --> 11:35.760 best fuel is success I mean successful 11:35.760 --> 11:38.679 actions , successful agreements when 11:38.679 --> 11:42.280 our troops . Can shoot down Russian 11:42.280 --> 11:44.869 missiles , including ballistic ones , 11:44.880 --> 11:47.479 and keep Russian aircraft away from 11:47.479 --> 11:49.989 Ukraine . It provides the motivation we 11:50.770 --> 11:54.630 desperately need . And we've had talks 11:54.630 --> 11:58.070 with the US about licensing the 11:58.070 --> 12:00.559 production of air defense systems and 12:00.559 --> 12:02.869 missiles here in Ukraine , and this 12:02.869 --> 12:05.429 could become a significant part of our 12:05.429 --> 12:07.469 security guarantees , and it's 12:07.469 --> 12:10.669 absolutely doable , but we must keep in 12:10.669 --> 12:14.390 mind that the last NATO summit promises 12:14.390 --> 12:16.760 haven't been fulfilled yet . We need 12:17.109 --> 12:19.450 very much . We need air defense systems , 12:19.460 --> 12:21.890 you . Uh , gave us already . Thank you 12:21.890 --> 12:24.112 so much , and we need very much systems 12:24.112 --> 12:27.929 you promised us . And you've seen what 12:27.929 --> 12:31.239 happened yesterday in our city , 12:31.520 --> 12:35.479 Zabri . Um , Russia's bombs killed 13 12:35.479 --> 12:38.979 people and 112 were injured . That was 12:38.979 --> 12:41.940 just one day , just one attack , one 12:41.940 --> 12:44.340 strike from , from the air . We must 12:44.340 --> 12:47.929 stop Russia's terror and you . We 12:48.119 --> 12:50.710 can do it , and we ask for urgent 12:50.710 --> 12:53.869 deliveries of air defense systems . We 12:53.869 --> 12:56.109 also need to deliver on all our 12:56.109 --> 12:58.820 agreements for frontline supplies , and 12:58.820 --> 13:01.820 I want to thank again every country 13:01.820 --> 13:04.710 helping us with artillery , armored 13:04.710 --> 13:07.609 vehicles . Everything else we need . 13:07.729 --> 13:10.010 Our men and women on the front lines 13:10.010 --> 13:12.650 need to feel that the world has their 13:12.650 --> 13:16.580 back and nothing proves nothing proves 13:16.969 --> 13:19.450 that better than making sure they have 13:19.849 --> 13:22.549 what they need to hit back at Russian 13:22.549 --> 13:26.549 attacks . Last year France 13:26.549 --> 13:28.750 come up with the idea to deploy 13:28.750 --> 13:31.909 partners , contingents in Ukraine , and 13:31.909 --> 13:35.900 you know it . To make peace closer and 13:35.900 --> 13:39.320 we all understand as for today Putin's 13:39.320 --> 13:42.960 aims remain unchanged and he wants to 13:42.960 --> 13:45.919 totally destroy Ukraine and to break 13:45.919 --> 13:49.760 all of us and you too . That's why our 13:49.760 --> 13:52.440 goal is to find as many instruments as 13:52.440 --> 13:54.719 possible to force Russia to peace . I 13:54.719 --> 13:56.497 believe that such deployment of 13:56.497 --> 13:58.890 partners contingent is one of the best 13:58.890 --> 14:01.719 instruments . Let's be more practical 14:01.719 --> 14:04.520 in making it possible , and we are . 14:06.140 --> 14:10.090 Heard signals also from some of our 14:10.090 --> 14:13.409 partners from the United Kingdom in 14:13.409 --> 14:15.799 support of this , and we must be brave 14:15.969 --> 14:18.489 and we must propose truly strong 14:18.489 --> 14:21.429 instruments . Take , for example , take 14:21.429 --> 14:24.820 the Kursk operation . It's one of our 14:25.289 --> 14:28.320 wins , I think one of the biggest wins , 14:28.369 --> 14:30.480 not just last year but throughout the 14:30.480 --> 14:33.039 war , Russia had to pull almost 14:33.039 --> 14:36.869 60,000 troops of the Ukrainian front 14:37.090 --> 14:40.710 to deal with it . And as of this 14:40.710 --> 14:44.179 Monday , it's been 5 months , 5 months 14:44.510 --> 14:47.260 since our troops have maintained a 14:47.260 --> 14:50.429 buffer zone on Russian territory . Many 14:50.429 --> 14:52.849 of Russian threats and bold claims 14:52.849 --> 14:55.520 turned out to be bluffing , especially 14:55.520 --> 14:58.070 after Ukraine has moved into the Kursk 14:58.070 --> 15:00.340 region , and I'm sure even more of 15:00.340 --> 15:03.369 their threats will prove to be bluffs 15:03.369 --> 15:06.700 if we all work even harder . We all 15:06.700 --> 15:08.890 even harder together to push Russia 15:08.890 --> 15:11.090 toward peace . Thank you very much for 15:11.090 --> 15:13.559 your attention . Thank you Secretary 15:14.619 --> 15:17.780 stay confident Slavokrainian . Thank 15:17.780 --> 15:18.780 you so much . 15:28.909 --> 15:31.020 Well thank you President Zelinsky . I 15:31.020 --> 15:33.750 know that I speak on behalf of everyone 15:33.750 --> 15:36.440 here . The spirit of Ukraine has 15:36.440 --> 15:38.840 inspired us all , and it has reminded 15:38.840 --> 15:41.909 us all to never take our freedom for 15:41.909 --> 15:45.030 granted . That's been true ever since 15:45.630 --> 15:47.574 the contact group convened for the 15:47.574 --> 15:51.289 first time here on April 26 , 2022 . 15:52.599 --> 15:54.766 That first meeting and today's meeting 15:54.766 --> 15:56.830 would not have been possible without 15:56.830 --> 15:59.780 our host , so let me invite Minister 15:59.780 --> 16:03.450 Pistorius to say a few words . Boris . 16:04.280 --> 16:06.502 Thank you very much , dear Lloyd , Dear 16:06.502 --> 16:08.836 President Zelensky , dear , dear Rustam , 16:09.309 --> 16:11.590 dear friends and colleagues , I'm 16:11.590 --> 16:13.757 pleased to welcome you to Ramstein for 16:13.757 --> 16:16.739 the first UDCG session in 2025 . 16:17.900 --> 16:20.679 For the 5th time since the beginning of 16:20.679 --> 16:22.790 the Russian war of aggression against 16:22.790 --> 16:25.559 Ukraine , we are gathered here in our 16:25.559 --> 16:28.179 support to Ukraine , demonstrating our 16:28.179 --> 16:30.719 unity as well as our unwavering 16:30.719 --> 16:33.630 solidarity . Since the early 16:33.630 --> 16:37.010 1950s , Rammstein Air Base has been the 16:37.010 --> 16:39.349 gateway for US troops to Germany and 16:39.349 --> 16:41.960 Europe . It has served as an important 16:41.960 --> 16:45.830 hub for US power in order to protect 16:46.200 --> 16:49.400 European allies . Ramstein Air Base is 16:49.400 --> 16:51.950 a symbol for the strong solidarity 16:51.950 --> 16:54.280 between the US , Germany , and our 16:54.280 --> 16:56.729 European friends working together as 16:56.729 --> 16:59.719 reliable and committed partners . For 16:59.719 --> 17:02.640 decades , the name Rammstein has stood 17:02.640 --> 17:05.150 for our ability to successfully defend 17:05.640 --> 17:08.000 freedom together with our partners . 17:08.650 --> 17:10.706 Therefore , it is a perfect place to 17:10.706 --> 17:13.449 bring together the partners of Ukraine 17:13.449 --> 17:16.010 today . We will discuss how to fulfill 17:16.010 --> 17:18.066 our unwavering commitment to support 17:18.066 --> 17:21.410 Ukraine to guarantee its freedom and 17:21.410 --> 17:24.899 security . Lloyd , let me turn to you 17:24.899 --> 17:28.808 first . I think I can speak on behalf 17:28.808 --> 17:31.899 of everyone present when extending my 17:31.899 --> 17:34.569 sincere gratitude . Thank you for 17:34.569 --> 17:37.650 initiating the UDCG . Thank you for 17:37.650 --> 17:39.817 your extraordinary leadership over the 17:39.817 --> 17:43.520 past almost 3 years . I vividly 17:43.520 --> 17:46.280 remember the day after I took office as 17:46.280 --> 17:49.040 defense minister two years ago . It was 17:49.040 --> 17:52.359 the day I joined the UDCG for the first 17:52.359 --> 17:55.349 time . It was a Friday and the day you , 17:55.359 --> 17:57.415 Lloyd , welcomed me to this group of 17:57.415 --> 18:00.329 partners . Thank you to your warm and 18:00.569 --> 18:02.609 yet vigorous nature you managed to 18:02.609 --> 18:05.010 bring together and lead an ever growing 18:05.010 --> 18:07.910 coalition of partners . As of today , 18:08.339 --> 18:11.339 more than 50 nations have joined our 18:11.339 --> 18:14.339 support efforts for Ukraine . You did 18:14.339 --> 18:16.660 not falter in your commitment , not 18:16.660 --> 18:19.819 even when faced with personal hardship . 18:20.660 --> 18:23.099 This was highly impressive and moved me 18:23.099 --> 18:25.849 deeply . Lloyd , your personal 18:25.849 --> 18:28.369 dedication has made a major difference . 18:28.939 --> 18:31.106 Without you , your commitment and your 18:31.106 --> 18:32.979 leadership , Ukraine's fight for 18:32.979 --> 18:35.810 freedom would not have yielded the same 18:35.810 --> 18:39.339 results , results which must now 18:39.339 --> 18:42.180 inspire us to make all the effort for 18:42.180 --> 18:45.410 what is to come . You have demonstrated 18:45.410 --> 18:48.569 to us that I quote you the price of 18:48.569 --> 18:51.209 principle is always dwarfed by the cost 18:51.209 --> 18:54.209 of capitulation , as you put it in such 18:54.209 --> 18:57.810 a compelling way . We owe you your 18:57.810 --> 19:00.310 deepest , deepest gratitude for this 19:00.310 --> 19:01.699 leadership performance . 19:13.250 --> 19:16.060 Led by the US , the UDCG has proved 19:16.060 --> 19:19.119 highly successful . It is all about 19:19.119 --> 19:20.729 keeping this format alive . 19:22.959 --> 19:25.181 My dear colleagues , it is an honor and 19:25.181 --> 19:27.237 a pleasure for Germany to be able to 19:27.237 --> 19:29.348 come together with so many government 19:29.348 --> 19:31.348 representatives today . Laskosi , a 19:31.348 --> 19:34.239 very warm welcome in particular to all 19:34.239 --> 19:36.880 our Ukrainian friends . I wish you all 19:36.880 --> 19:38.939 a successful meeting today and all a 19:38.939 --> 19:42.479 happy and hopefully maybe perhaps a 19:42.479 --> 19:44.920 more peaceful year 2025 . Thanks a lot . 19:52.640 --> 19:56.199 Ministers Pistorius , thanks again , a 19:56.199 --> 19:58.366 special thanks for those very generous 19:58.366 --> 20:00.310 words and thanks for all that your 20:00.310 --> 20:02.199 government has done for Ukraine . 20:02.829 --> 20:04.885 Ladies and gentlemen , this is a big 20:04.885 --> 20:07.869 day , and this is a great cause . I 20:07.869 --> 20:10.036 continue to be moved by the dedication 20:10.036 --> 20:12.202 of the countries that are here today , 20:12.202 --> 20:14.400 and I continue to be inspired by this 20:14.400 --> 20:17.390 contact group . You are all helping to 20:17.390 --> 20:19.501 ensure that Ukraine can defend itself 20:19.501 --> 20:22.209 and fight for its freedom . Nearly 3 20:22.209 --> 20:24.619 years ago we gathered at Ramstein for 20:24.619 --> 20:27.099 the first time . It was a moment of 20:27.099 --> 20:30.369 great uncertainty and urgency . The 20:30.369 --> 20:32.313 Kremlin was just 2 months into its 20:32.313 --> 20:34.147 full-scale invasion of Ukraine . 20:34.739 --> 20:37.900 Ukraine's survival was in danger and so 20:37.900 --> 20:41.020 much was unsettled at our first meeting 20:41.020 --> 20:44.260 at Ramstein . But two things were 20:44.260 --> 20:46.869 already clear . The Ukrainian people 20:46.869 --> 20:49.489 had chosen to fight . And they needed 20:49.489 --> 20:51.656 help from countries around the world . 20:52.180 --> 20:54.569 So we gathered here and we began to 20:54.569 --> 20:56.458 coordinate security assistance to 20:56.458 --> 20:59.939 Ukraine swiftly and decisively . Back 20:59.939 --> 21:03.859 in April of 2022 , few people could 21:03.859 --> 21:06.081 have imagined the level of support that 21:06.081 --> 21:08.415 our countries have delivered to Ukraine . 21:09.619 --> 21:12.530 Putin clearly never imagined it . 21:13.689 --> 21:15.689 In the first months of the war , we 21:15.689 --> 21:17.522 provided everything from javelin 21:17.522 --> 21:19.300 missiles and singer missiles to 21:19.300 --> 21:21.300 artillery systems . And that helped 21:21.300 --> 21:23.411 Ukraine withstand the first thrust of 21:23.411 --> 21:25.859 Putin's invasion . Month after month , 21:26.020 --> 21:28.020 members of this contact group have 21:28.020 --> 21:30.939 helped provide , produce , and sustain 21:30.939 --> 21:33.260 the systems and the munitions that 21:33.260 --> 21:36.250 Ukraine needs . That includes advanced 21:36.250 --> 21:38.194 air defense systems and long range 21:38.194 --> 21:40.920 strike capabilities . Ukraine has 21:40.920 --> 21:43.500 suffered terribly from Russia's 21:43.500 --> 21:46.699 imperial aggression . But sustained 21:46.890 --> 21:49.112 principled commitments by the countries 21:49.112 --> 21:51.500 gathered here have made all the 21:51.500 --> 21:54.609 difference . This contact group has 21:54.609 --> 21:57.339 evolved . And so have the capabilities 21:57.339 --> 22:00.319 that its members have provided . We 22:00.319 --> 22:03.150 have stood up 8 capability coalitions , 22:03.550 --> 22:05.709 and they are led by 14 countries as 22:05.709 --> 22:08.810 well as Ukraine . In close partnership 22:08.810 --> 22:11.032 with our national armaments directors , 22:11.032 --> 22:13.750 these new coalitions ensure that our 22:13.750 --> 22:16.099 support is coordinated , efficient . 22:16.729 --> 22:19.430 And sustainable . And their work has 22:19.430 --> 22:22.619 helped Ukraine to more swiftly absorb . 22:23.810 --> 22:26.143 The security assistance that we provide . 22:27.089 --> 22:29.089 Thanks to the leadership of the Air 22:29.089 --> 22:31.489 Force coalition , Ukraine is now flying 22:31.489 --> 22:34.969 4th generation fighters , and thanks to 22:34.969 --> 22:37.449 the maritime coalition , Ukraine is 22:37.449 --> 22:39.505 building up the capabilities that it 22:39.505 --> 22:41.650 needs to defeat and deter Russian 22:41.650 --> 22:44.880 aggression in the Black Sea . Earlier 22:44.880 --> 22:47.550 today The coalition leadership group 22:47.550 --> 22:50.790 met again , including representatives 22:50.790 --> 22:54.209 from our 15 countries . And they 22:54.209 --> 22:56.729 endorse capability coalition roadmaps 22:56.729 --> 22:59.439 leading to the year 2027 . 23:00.569 --> 23:02.920 And through the capability coalitions , 23:03.079 --> 23:04.968 partner countries can continue to 23:04.968 --> 23:07.199 support Ukraine's urgent battlefield 23:07.199 --> 23:09.520 needs , and they can continue to help 23:09.520 --> 23:12.420 Ukraine build a force that will deter 23:12.420 --> 23:14.531 more Russian aggression over the long 23:14.531 --> 23:17.239 haul as Ukraine implements its own 23:17.239 --> 23:20.199 critical reforms on mobilization and 23:20.199 --> 23:23.939 other areas . The Kremlin's assaults 23:23.939 --> 23:26.189 today remind us of the scope of the 23:26.189 --> 23:29.949 danger . Putin isn't letting up . 23:30.219 --> 23:32.163 His forces continue their grinding 23:32.163 --> 23:35.270 offensive in the east of Ukraine . In 23:35.270 --> 23:37.270 Kursk , Russian troops are fighting 23:37.270 --> 23:40.760 alongside North Korean forces to drive 23:40.760 --> 23:43.319 back Ukraine's troops . And meanwhile , 23:43.400 --> 23:45.479 the Kremlin continues to bombard 23:45.479 --> 23:49.239 Ukraine's civilians and 23:49.239 --> 23:51.589 critical infrastructure without pity or 23:51.589 --> 23:55.310 pause . And yet again , Ukraine faces a 23:55.310 --> 23:58.760 winter of war . And yet again , Putin 23:58.760 --> 24:01.739 is targeting Ukraine's energy grid . 24:02.619 --> 24:05.329 And he's using increasingly ruthless 24:05.329 --> 24:08.660 missile and drone strikes . In February 24:08.660 --> 24:10.829 we will mark 3 years of Putin's war . 24:11.760 --> 24:14.750 And the stakes are still enormous for 24:14.750 --> 24:17.819 all of our security . If Putin swallows 24:17.819 --> 24:20.300 Ukraine , his appetite will only grow . 24:21.150 --> 24:23.760 If autocrats conclude that democracies 24:23.760 --> 24:26.520 will lose their nerve , surrender their 24:26.520 --> 24:28.969 interest , and forget their principles , 24:29.170 --> 24:32.890 we will only see more land grabs . If 24:32.890 --> 24:35.569 tyrants learn that aggression pays , we 24:35.569 --> 24:37.791 will only invite even more aggression , 24:37.791 --> 24:41.410 chaos , and war . But we are still 24:41.410 --> 24:44.579 determined to not let that happen . And 24:44.579 --> 24:47.300 so are the free people of Ukraine . And 24:47.300 --> 24:49.411 so are the nations of goodwill around 24:49.411 --> 24:51.300 the world and around this table . 24:51.719 --> 24:53.775 Retreat will only provide incentives 24:53.775 --> 24:56.000 for more imperial aggression , and if 24:56.000 --> 24:58.111 we flinch , you can count on Putin to 24:58.111 --> 25:00.260 push further and punch harder . 25:01.459 --> 25:04.969 Ukraine's survival is on the line . But 25:04.969 --> 25:07.890 so is the security of Europe , the 25:07.890 --> 25:10.939 United States , and the world . And 25:10.939 --> 25:14.800 that's why some 50 members of 25:14.800 --> 25:16.856 this contact group continue to stand 25:16.856 --> 25:20.780 united with Ukraine . And now , as you 25:20.780 --> 25:22.947 all know , today marks my last contact 25:22.947 --> 25:25.660 group . And I am incredibly proud of 25:25.660 --> 25:28.150 what we've achieved together . Over the 25:28.150 --> 25:30.261 past few years we've moved heaven and 25:30.261 --> 25:32.150 earth to get Ukraine the security 25:32.150 --> 25:34.910 assistance that it needs , and together 25:34.910 --> 25:38.030 we've committed more than $122 billion 25:38.030 --> 25:40.109 worth of security assistance and 25:40.109 --> 25:42.339 expanded factories around the world , 25:42.670 --> 25:44.670 and that has rushed capabilities to 25:44.670 --> 25:46.837 Ukraine ranging from artillery systems 25:46.837 --> 25:49.589 to ammunition to main battle tanks . It 25:49.589 --> 25:51.422 includes air defense platforms , 25:51.422 --> 25:53.800 interceptors , and drones . In just the 25:53.800 --> 25:56.022 past few weeks we've seen contact group 25:56.022 --> 25:58.040 members step up with important new 25:58.040 --> 26:00.319 donations . Germany announced that it 26:00.319 --> 26:04.040 will deliver $680 million worth of 26:04.040 --> 26:06.096 military equipment to Ukraine by the 26:06.096 --> 26:08.290 end of the year . Others have already 26:08.290 --> 26:10.969 budgeted generous sums of generous sums 26:10.969 --> 26:14.910 of 20258 . And Norway has 26:14.910 --> 26:16.854 committed more than $2 billion for 26:16.854 --> 26:19.199 military support , and the UK is 26:19.199 --> 26:22.089 allocating 3 billion pounds annually . 26:23.209 --> 26:25.650 As a percentage of GDP , Denmark , 26:25.810 --> 26:29.010 Estonia , and Latvia are now the top 3 26:29.010 --> 26:32.500 providers of assistance to Ukraine . So 26:32.869 --> 26:35.349 we must not let up , and that's why I'm 26:35.349 --> 26:37.709 announcing today another presidential 26:37.709 --> 26:41.020 drawdown authority package valued at 26:41.020 --> 26:44.439 $500 million . It includes additional 26:44.439 --> 26:46.495 missiles for Ukrainian air defense , 26:46.920 --> 26:49.439 more ammunition , more air to ground 26:49.439 --> 26:51.800 munitions , and other equipment to 26:51.800 --> 26:55.089 support Ukraine's F-16s . Here again in 26:55.089 --> 26:58.239 Ramstein , I am determined to do all I 26:58.239 --> 27:00.729 can to help Ukraine live in freedom and 27:00.729 --> 27:04.489 security and to forge a more just and 27:04.489 --> 27:07.160 decent world . And together 27:08.569 --> 27:11.530 Our work must continue . Here is the 27:11.530 --> 27:14.229 fundamental truth . Ukraine's fight 27:14.229 --> 27:16.750 matters to all of us . As I said here 27:16.750 --> 27:18.861 in Ramstein back in our first meeting 27:18.861 --> 27:22.160 in April 2022 . Putin's war is a 27:22.160 --> 27:24.271 challenge to free people everywhere , 27:24.719 --> 27:26.719 and we all have a stake in ensuring 27:26.719 --> 27:29.000 that autocrats cannot place their 27:29.000 --> 27:31.270 imperial ambitions ahead of the bedrock 27:31.270 --> 27:33.439 rights of free and sovereign peoples . 27:34.550 --> 27:37.729 Ukraine is waging a just war of 27:37.729 --> 27:39.890 self-defense , and it is one of the 27:39.890 --> 27:42.640 great causes of our time . Chairing 27:42.640 --> 27:44.807 this contact group has been one of the 27:44.807 --> 27:48.510 great honors of my life . But this is a 27:48.510 --> 27:51.920 day for business and not talk . And I'm 27:51.920 --> 27:54.031 looking forward to yet another highly 27:54.031 --> 27:56.400 productive meeting , and so we'll pause 27:56.400 --> 27:59.239 as our friends in the media depart and 27:59.239 --> 28:01.461 then we'll get to work . Thank you very 28:01.461 --> 28:01.589 much .