US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin opened the 18th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (also known as the Ramstein-format meeting) on 23 January, stressing the importance of sustained support for Ukraine in the face of the full-scale Russian aggression.

Austin, who joined the opening meeting via a video call, stressed that the meeting participants had gathered to "reaffirm our support for a free, secure, and sovereign Ukraine, and to ensure that we continue to get Ukraine the capabilities that it needs, for the winter and beyond".

"Ukraine's fight is important for all of our countries. Ukraine's incredibly brave troops are continuing their battle against the Kremlin's invaders across a vast frontline in Ukraine's east and south, in bitter winter weather. Ukraine's defenders continue to inflict significant losses on the Kremlin's forces," Austin said.

He called on Ukraine’s allies to "dig deep" to provide Ukraine with more ground-based air-defence systems and interceptors.

Austin also said that Ukraine’s allies should extend their help beyond meeting Ukraine’s immediate battlefield needs, and also help Ukraine to "strengthen, modernize, and sustain its defense forces for the long haul".

"Together, our allies and partners have established six capability coalitions to support Ukraine's air force, ground-based air defenses, artillery, maritime security, de-mining, and information technology," Austin also said.

The Pentagon said that the current meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defence will focus on Ukraine's long-term needs.

The previous Ramstein-format meeting took place in November 2023; it was held virtually and was followed by the creation of a number of new coalitions to support Ukraine's defence capabilities, including the development of air defence, drones, and naval and air forces.