"Rammstein, military aid, and extension of the return deadline from Sochi: key highlights from January 9th."
At the "Ramstein" meeting, allies announced new assistance for Ukraine
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov explained that on January 9, the leaders of the "Ramstein" coalitions approved "roadmaps" for each of the eight areas of cooperation. These roadmaps are intended to outline strategic goals and key military assistance needs at least until the end of 2027.
During the meeting, several allies announced new aid:
- The USA allocated a new aid package worth $500 million. This includes ammunition for air defense and equipment to support F-16 fighter jets.
- Germany promised to deliver additional missiles for IRIS-T air defense systems.
- A coalition for drone procurement announced the supply of 30,000 drones.
You can return from SOCH until March 1
Members of parliament voted to extend the deadline for military personnel who have deserted or left their units without permission to return to service. This can now be done until March 1, 2025.
New threats to Ukraine from Hungary and Slovakia over gas
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico demanded that Ukraine resume the transit of Russian gas. Otherwise, his country will stop providing humanitarian aid and will use its veto power in the EU to block decisions regarding Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto threatened Ukraine with a blockade of its EU accession due to the suspension of oil and gas transit from Russia.
The Rada adopted a law on military registration for young men and women volunteers
The Verkhovna Rada adopted a government bill on the registration of conscripts.
The Cabinet proposed that young men who turn 17 in the year of their military registration be allowed to register either in person at the TCK or through an electronic cabinet (regardless of their location).
According to the adopted amendments, women volunteers will register for military service at their own discretion.
Zelensky at "Ramstein" announced record plans for drones and called for air defense transfers
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that in 2025, Ukraine wants to set a record for the quantity and quality of drones produced domestically and received from partners. In this regard, he urged allies to invest in Ukrainian production.
He also called on partners to urgently transfer air defense systems following the recent deadly airstrike by Russia on the city of Zaporizhzhia.
Furthermore, Zelensky informed partners that he is trying to end the Russian-Ukrainian war "with dignity."
Ukraine offers jobs and "protection" for men abroad
The state is ready to provide Ukrainians abroad with jobs at defense enterprises and protection from potential mobilization.
According to Minister of National Unity Oleksiy Chernyshov, some industries currently need specialists "as air." This particularly concerns the defense industry.
Shelling in Ukraine
In Zaporizhzhia, the number of casualties from the shelling on January 8 has increased to 122 people. In medical institutions of the regional center, 66 individuals remain, 11 of whom are in serious condition in intensive care units.
On January 9, Russian troops dropped four KABs on Kherson, destroying a kindergarten. Nine people were injured. They also attacked the Kherson region: due to drone and artillery strikes, two people were killed.