Effectiveness Of Ramstein Format Is Vulnerable Without US Support, Says Expert

(MENAFN- UkrinForm) This was stated in a comment to Ukrinform by Jade McGlynn, a research fellow at the Department of Military Studies at King's College London.

“The UDCG remains operational and relevant-thanks in part to the UK and European leadership-but its effectiveness is vulnerable without confident U.S. backing,” she said.

According to the expert, all formats of assistance to Ukraine, including Ramstein, the Coalition of the Willing, and the PURL initiative, are viable and capable of reinforcing each other.

Ramstein is the European basis for coordinating military assistance. The Coalition of the Willing expands on the advantages of Ramstein by offering peacekeeping readiness and deeper commitments during a potential ceasefire. However, this is the weakest element, as a ceasefire requires“wings in the air,” according to McGlynn.

She notes that Europe must clarify its goals: "does it aim to anchor peace with multi-year military support, or revert to minimalist posturing? Without clear strategy and synchronized action, these formats risk fragmentation."

The expert emphasizes that American vacillation undermines strategic coherence, as Europe is not clear about its own goals on the continent.

“Officials (not politicians) are aware of reality and that the U.S. is not reliable. The issue is that Europe is still not ready to defend itself so we see this political effort to keep America on side as much as possible while Europe ramps up capacity for self defence,” McGlynn said.

When asked whether partners could quickly meet the need for air defense capabilities, she said it was possible, but that Europe would increase its support.

"The UK's drone pledge is a tangible step, but more is needed: The drone delivery must be accelerated, Europe must coordinate procurement, joint production, and deployment of air defense systems, U.S. logistical, intelligence, and technological support remains critical, especially for advanced systems like Patriot and NASAMS," the expert believes.

With a sense of urgency and political will, Ukraine's needs can be met, McGlynn believes,“but the clock is ticking.”

In her view, Europe must make decisions based on a clear understanding of the common threat to the continent.

Meanwhile, Russia does not want a ceasefire, and in order to force Moscow to negotiate, current support for Ukraine must be strengthened, not simply remain at the same level, McGlynn believes.

“Every institutional mechanism (NATO, UDCG, Coalition) has value-but Europe must make a clear strategic choice: Russia is not open to ceasefire so to compel them toward negotiation, current support must be amplified, not just maintained. This means going beyond symbolic pledges. Healey's announcements-like the“50-day drive” to arm Ukraine-are encouraging but need to scale fast,” says the research fellow at the Department of Military Studies at King's College London.

Read also: Ukraine is working to increase contributions to PURL program - Zelensky

As reported by Ukrinform , on September 9, the 30th meeting of the international Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine in the Ramstein format was held in London, attended by representatives of about 50 countries.

In the context of the meeting, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal named initiatives that are critically important for Ukraine to actively implement.

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