Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III is set to leave Washington, D.C., today for Ramstein Air Base in Germany. He will host the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) on January 9.

The UDCG, established by Secretary Austin in April 2022, plays a key role in organizing international support to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty against Russia's aggression. This upcoming meeting marks the 25th assembly of this coalition, which includes approximately 50 nations committed to aiding Ukraine.

During this significant meeting, Secretary Austin will meet with defense ministers and senior military officials globally. The discussions will focus on Ukraine's immediate battlefield needs and longer-term defense requirements. The meeting aims to ensure the continued delivery of essential capabilities such as air defense systems, artillery munitions, and armored vehicles. Additionally, efforts to strengthen the defense industrial base will be addressed.