Zelensky's Key Demand for Long-Range Weapons Unmet at Ramstein Meeting

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a surprise visit to the U.S. Air Force base in Ramstein, Germany, urging the Ukraine Contact Group for more military aid. Despite new pledges from the U.S., Germany, and the UK, his main request for long-range weapons was not granted.

Zelensky stressed that long-range weapons are essential to drive Russian forces out of Ukraine, especially from the Donetsk region, and to prevent airstrikes by targeting Russian military airfields. However, Germany continues to block the use of Western weapons for strikes deep into Russia.

While U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced an additional $250 million in U.S. aid, and Germany pledged twelve howitzers, Zelensky reiterated the need for a stronger fleet of F-16 jets. He expressed gratitude for the current support but emphasized it is not enough to counter Russian aggression.

The meeting, which included defense ministers from around the world, focused on continued support for Ukraine, but Zelensky’s request for long-range arms remains unresolved.