Today, May 20, the 22nd meeting of the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine in the Rammstein format began. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin opened the meeting with a speech and opening remarks.
About this it was possible in Austin’s speech at the opening of Ramstein.
The head of the Pentagon emphasized that the meeting of Ukraine’s allies is taking place “at a moment of challenge”, when Russian forces have launched another offensive, trying to achieve advances “and try to create a buffer zone along the Ukrainian border”.
“But the defenders of Ukraine demonstrate extraordinary courage and skill. And they make effective use of the tools provided by the Contact Group“, he added.
Austin said the U.S. continues to supply Ukraine with all the military assistance it needs, including munitions for NASAMS and Patriot air defense systems, HIMARS systems, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, and Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank systems, meeting many of Kyiv’s priority needs.
“Together, we have already committed more than $95 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the start of Putin’s full-scale invasion in February 2022“, he announced.
According to the head of the Pentagon, the priority of the meeting of “Ramstein” will be air defense of Ukraine. It is also planned to discuss the work of eight coalitions of forces and means created within the Contact Group, with the aim of ensuring the long-term security of Ukraine.
“Looking forward to news today from the Naval Coalition and the Joint Air and Missile Defense Coalition,” Austin said.
It should be noted that the meeting of the participants of the Rammstein format takes place in the mode of virtual communication.
