The next meeting of the contact group on defense in Ukraine in the «Ramstein» format is scheduled for February. This was announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on January 9, according to a correspondent for «GORDON» publication.
The «Ramstein» format, also known as the «Normandy» format, is a diplomatic initiative aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. It involves representatives from Ukraine, Russia, France, and Germany, and is named after the location of the first meeting in 2014, which took place at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
The upcoming meeting, which will take place in February, will be the first in this format since 2019. It is a significant step towards finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict, which has been ongoing since 2014.
President Zelensky’s announcement of the meeting is a positive development and shows the commitment of the Ukrainian government to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict. The fact that the meeting is taking place in the «Ramstein» format, which has been successful in the past, is also a promising sign.
The conflict in eastern Ukraine has had a devastating impact on the country, with thousands of lives lost and millions of people displaced. It is crucial that all parties involved continue to work towards a peaceful resolution and put an end to the suffering of the Ukrainian people.
The «Ramstein» format has proven to be an effective platform for negotiations, with previous meetings resulting in important agreements such as the Minsk Protocol and the Minsk II Agreement. These agreements aimed to establish a ceasefire and a political solution to the conflict, but unfortunately, they have not been fully implemented.
The upcoming meeting in February provides an opportunity for all parties to recommit to these agreements and work towards their full implementation. It is also a chance for new ideas and approaches to be discussed and considered.
President Zelensky’s announcement also comes at a time when there have been positive developments in the relationship between Ukraine and Russia. In December 2019, the two countries exchanged prisoners, and in January 2020, they signed a gas transit agreement. These steps show that progress can be made when there is a willingness to engage in dialogue and find common ground.
The international community has also welcomed the news of the upcoming meeting. The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, stated that the EU fully supports the efforts of the «Normandy» format and is ready to provide assistance in the implementation of any agreements reached.
In conclusion, the announcement of the next meeting of the contact group on defense in the «Ramstein» format is a positive development in the ongoing efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine. It is a testament to the commitment of all parties involved to work towards a lasting solution. The international community stands ready to support these efforts, and we can only hope that this meeting will bring us one step closer to peace and stability in Ukraine.
