**Ukraine‘s President Meets with NATO Leaders**
On January 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. The meeting focused on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense and getting Western funding for the country’s arms production.
**Support from NATO**
Zelensky said that the common goal of their partners is to ensure a strong position for Ukraine to achieve a just and lasting peace. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reiterated the alliance’s unwavering support for Kyiv, saying “NATO is committed to continuing our support as you defend yourselves and fight tirelessly for the freedom we all hold dear.”
**Buying Ukrainian Weapons**
Zelensky emphasized involving NATO members in buying Ukrainian weapons under a model pioneered by Denmark. This means that NATO countries can directly purchase arms from Ukraine’s defense industry. The Danish government was the first to offer this deal, worth $28.5 million.
**Discussing Drone Technology**
Zelensky also met with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, focusing on battlefield dynamics and the evolving role of drones in warfare. They discussed the need for various types of drones in Ukraine’s defense.
**Ukraine Defense Contact Group**
The meeting was part of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG), which coordinates international military aid to Ukraine. The group has 57 countries, including all 32 NATO members.
**Final Meeting Before Trump Takes Office**
This meeting is expected to be the last in its current format before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20. Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said that this might be the last meeting under the current format.
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