<h6><strong>The Diplomat</strong></h6> <h4><strong>Defense Minister Margarita Robles participated this Friday in Brussels in the twenty-seventh ministerial meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, or Ramstein format, which concluded with the announcement of more than €21 billion in military aid contributions, the largest collective commitment since the start of the war.</strong></h4> The opening remarks were delivered by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky via videoconference, and the closing remarks were delivered by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, also via videoconference. The meeting served to discuss the evolving tactical situation in the region, where attacks against energy and civilian infrastructure have not ceased, and to review ongoing support initiatives within the framework of the various capability coalitions supporting Ukraine. “Precisely in these uncertain times surrounding the current international political situation, Spain's commitment to Ukraine and European security will remain firm for as long as necessary,” Robles stated. “We are making a very significant effort to send defensive material to achieve peace and also to connect Spanish industries with Ukraine, because the fundamental objective is to achieve a just and lasting peace and support the victims of this war, for which Putin is solely responsible,” added the Minister of Defense, who was accompanied by Admiral Juan Francisco Martínez Núñez, Secretary General for Defense Policy. The Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) brings together more than 50 countries dedicated to coordinating military support for Kyiv in the face of the Russian invasion. Co-chaired by Germany and the United Kingdom, the meeting concluded with the announcement of contributions exceeding €21 billion, the largest collective commitment since the beginning of the war. The ministers also concluded that 2025 will be a decisive year for the fate of the conflict. In this regard, they emphasized that the international community remains united and committed to ensuring that Ukraine can defend itself, resist, and eventually achieve a just and lasting peace.
