BERLIN, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group convened on Thursday at the U.S. airbase in Ramstein, Germany, against a backdrop of uncertainty as participants voiced concerns over potential shifts in U.S. policy with the upcoming inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, hosting the meeting for the last time on behalf of the outgoing President Joe Biden's administration, announced a new 500 million U.S. dollar aid package for Ukraine. The package includes additional missiles for air defense, ammunition, air-to-ground munitions, and other military equipment.

Key participants, including Austin and Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, stressed the importance of the Ramstein format, however, Pistorius acknowledged the challenges posed by the impending change in U.S. leadership.

Stressing Europe's responsibility to maintain continuity in the months ahead, Pistorius highlighted his intention to uphold the Ramstein framework after Trump takes office.

Trump had voiced an intention to solve the Ukraine-Russia conflict within six months after assuming the presidency. Differing from the present U.S. government, he expressed his sympathy with Russia's stance that Ukraine should not join NATO. His stance has raised concerns among Ukraine's supporters that Thursday's meeting might be its last.

Noting that the Ramstein meeting's future is not guaranteed, Pistorius said if the new U.S. government quits the meeting, a different format should continue the efforts.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, also attending the meeting, urged continued support for Ukraine.

"A new chapter starts for Europe and the entire world in just 11 days," Zelensky said, referring to the U.S. transition of power. He reaffirmed his determination to end the conflicts "with dignity for Ukraine and all of Europe this year." Enditem

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