Defense leaders from 50 nations to attend new meeting in Ramstein format in Germany - Pentagon

Pentagon Press Secretary, Brigadier General Patrick Ryder said this during a press briefing in the Pentagon, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"The Secretary [Lloyd Austin] looks forward to meeting with defense leaders from the approximately 50 nations that comprise this important group dedicated to Ukraine's self-defense," Ryder said.

He clarified that the meeting would be chaired by Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley.

Ryder also said that the contact group "has been instrumental in identifying, synchronizing, and ensuring the delivery of the military capabilities the Ukrainians need to defend their homeland against Russian aggression."

According to the German Federal Ministry of Defense, a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group is scheduled for January 20. The meeting will take place at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany.