The meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) in the Ramstein format, which is taking place in Germany at the NATO airbase of the same name, discussed new defence support packages and other military needs of Ukraine. For example, US President Joseph Biden may announce a new package of assistance to Ukraine worth $250 million as early as 6 September. And Canada will donate more than 80,000 CRV-7 rocket engines and 1,300 warheads from its stockpile.
This was announced at a meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defence (Ramstein), which is taking place at the NATO Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
A quarter of a billion for defence from the US
Today, 6 September 2024, the 24th meeting in the Ramstein format is taking place. During a meeting of the Contact Group on Defence of Ukraine, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin said that President Biden would announce an additional $250 million security assistance package for Ukraine today. They also discussed the situation at the frontline
"This will increase the ability to meet the changing needs of Ukraine... Ukraine continues to gradually take the initiative on the battlefield. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are currently conducting an operation in the Kursk region. The Kremlin's army of aggression is now on the defensive on its own soil. At the same time, Moscow continues its offensive in eastern Ukraine, especially around Pokrovsk. Putin is also regrouping his troops near Kursk; the Kremlin continues to bomb Ukrainian cities and civilians. But Ukraine refuses to bow down," Austin said.
Additional assistance from Canada
In his turn, Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair statedCanada will provide Ukraine with 80,840 CRV-7 missile engines and 1,300 warheads. The rocket engines are being prepared for shipment to Poland and will arrive in the coming months. The decommissioned rocket engines were previously used by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in CF-18 fighter jets. Canada will also provide 970 C6 machine guns and 10,500 9mm pistols.
“The UDCG is a testament to the unity and commitment of Allies and partners to provide Ukraine with the crucial capabilities it needs to fight for its sovereignty and security. What happens in Ukraine will help determine the trajectory of global security. Canada’s support for Ukraine remains unwavering and we will continue to do what it takes to help Ukraine win this war” - Blair said.
In response to Ukraine's request, Minister Bill Blair also announced that Canada would donate decommissioned chassis from 29 M113s and 64 Coyote LAV armoured personnel carriers previously used by the Canadian army. These vehicles are no longer in use in the Canadian armed forces, and will be repurposed or used for spare parts in Ukraine.
The Minister also noted that the first group of Ukrainian fighter pilots has arrived in Canada for training on F-16 fighter jets. The training will be funded by Canada in the amount of $389 million over five years. This month, the Ukrainian Armed Forces will begin training with Teledyne FLIR Skyranger drones donated by Canada.
In total, since February 2022, Canada has allocated more than $19.5 billion in aid to Ukraine, including $4.5 billion in military assistance.
Inna Mikhno