More than forty countries gathered today at the US Ramstein Air Base in Germany for a meeting of Ukraine’s defense contact group. During the meeting, the focus will be on the past year, but also on the future. This is what BNR foreign commentator Bernard Hammelburg thinks.
The Ramstein Contact Group, as the alliance is also known, was formed after the outbreak of war in Ukraine and has already invested more than $55 billion in military and security assistance. According to Hammelburg, the supply of Patriot systems and all kinds of important artillery systems should be considered. “And above all – and this is the most important thing – they intend to increase and continue,” says Hammelburg. “It is a solidarity association that also puts words into action.”
Offensive
And according to Hammelburg it must be, because a new offensive seems imminent. He finds the word “spring offensive” confusing. “Maybe we should never have used it, but then there was the idea that as soon as there was no more mud and snow, people could go ahead with the tanks provided,” Hammelburg says. However, the reality turns out to be different. Many tanks are still on the way, and while the Ukrainians have some fighter planes, it’s not a full-fledged air force at the moment. “If the offensive comes, it won’t be until June or something.”
“No Great Fronts of Advance”
Hammelburg stresses that the offensive will not turn into a large advance front, but will consist of “stabbing actions”. “But we don’t know exactly how it works, and it’s wise that they don’t announce that either,” he continues. “Because otherwise the fun is over, I say.”
He says it is entirely possible that Ukraine will become a NATO member in due course. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has already pressed this week for Ukraine to join, “and even to Ramstein he said it is ‘inconceivable’ that Ukraine does not become a member,” says Hammelburg. “He still wants to wait until this conflict is over, but according to Stoltenberg it must never happen again that country is in danger, and we are not.”
Source: BNR
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