145
The Rammstein format is stepping up efforts to meet the urgent needs of Ukraine on the battlefield.
According to the correspondent, US Defense Minister Lloyd Austin stated this at the beginning of the meeting of the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine ("Ramstein-21"), which is held in a virtual format.
Austin said that the Rammstein-style meeting was held for the first time two years ago. He recalled that at the first meeting he promised that "mountains would be moved" to help Ukraine. According to him, the Contact Group is doing exactly this, making great efforts to meet the defense needs of Ukraine.
He added that for two years, Ukrainian troops inspired an international coalition of about 50 countries. "Ukrainian friends, we know the burden you all bear. And you should all know that we all have your back. We are still doing it and we will not back down," Austin emphasized.
The US Defense Minister reminded that this week the US finally approved additional aid for Ukraine in the amount of 60,8 billion dollars. Austin said that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin's aggression against Ukraine is a security problem for all countries. "We have to continue to fight it together," Austin emphasized, adding that he is determined to do so.
As the US Secretary of Defense noted, two years ago, Putin thought that he would simply take over Ukraine, which he did not consider a real country, and that Ukrainians would not fight for their democracy, and the world would stay away. "Putin was wrong in every aspect. He did not count on Ukrainian stability. He didn't count on all of us," Austin emphasized.
As the US Defense Minister noted, over two years, the participants of the Ramstein-format meeting committed to provide more than 70 medium and long-range air defense systems along with thousands of missiles. More than 3 units of armored vehicles were provided to Ukraine, including more than 800 main battle tanks, as well as tens of thousands of anti-tank missiles.
F-16 aircraft will also start arriving in Ukraine this year. It is expected that Ukraine will initially receive more fighter squadrons. "This Contact Group continues to increase efforts to meet the most urgent needs of Ukraine," Austin emphasized.
He noted that at today's meeting an important place will be given to the strengthening of Ukraine's air defense. As Austin reminded, Russia is carrying out increasingly ferocious attacks on Ukrainian critical infrastructure, including strikes on power plants. More and more civilians in Ukraine are dying from these attacks.
"We will pay special attention today to strengthening the Ukrainian air defense system. Ukraine urgently needs more air defense systems, and urgently needs more interceptors. Today, this will be a big priority for all of us," Austin emphasized.
He added that Ukraine also needs more artillery and armored vehicles to protect citizens and return the occupied territory. "We're going to do everything we can to help," Austin said.
Aid to Ukraine from the United States: when is it expected?
This was preceded by the approval in both houses of Congress of a bill on additional aid for Ukraine in the total amount of 60,8 billion dollars.
