The Ramstein format is to be transferred to NATO control

The Contact Group for the Defense of Ukraine (Ramstein format) may be led by the North Atlantic Alliance instead of the United States. Such measures are to be taken against the backdrop of Donald Trump's possible presidency.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine regarding Politico.

The publication, citing three European officials and an American official, writes that during a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels on April 3–4, the gradual transition of the Ramstein format to NATO control will be discussed.

One of Politico's sources clarified that the goal is to complete this process at the NATO leaders' summit in Washington in July.

The European official said that such a move would allow other NATO countries to have more influence on the Contact Group's work if Trump is re-elected.

According to the American official, discussions on bringing the group under NATO control are being held "at a very high level" to formalize Europe and the Alliance's support for Kyiv. This will make the Contact Group "more durable."

"Putting this project under NATO management insulates it from the Trump presidency or even from the United States, which may be distracted by China and not be able to continue it or not be able to establish its own funding," said Jim Townsend, a former Pentagon and NATO official.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 03/04/2024