The last meeting of the Ramstein Group under the Biden administration took place at Ramstein Air Base. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also arrived in Germany to chair the International Contact Group on Ukraine for the last time before leaving office. During the meeting, the leaders of the Ramstein group agreed on plans to support Ukraine until 2027.
According to the Voice of America, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stressed the importance of the coalitions formed to support Ukraine. He noted that these coalitions ensure the effectiveness, coordination and sustainability of defense assistance. As a result of their work, Ukraine has been able to more quickly integrate the assistance provided, including the development of fourth-generation fighter jets and the strengthening of defense capabilities in the Black Sea to counter Russian aggression.
The coalition also agreed on a long-term plan to assist Ukraine through 2027. This plan is designed to meet Ukraine's immediate battlefield needs and help strengthen its defense capabilities to deter Russian aggression in the future. It also provides for assistance to Ukraine in implementing key reforms, particularly in the area of mobilization and other key areas.
Also at the Group meeting, Austin announced the provision of another package of assistance to Ukraine. According to him, the package includes missiles for air defense systems, artillery shells and air-to-ground missiles, as well as equipment to support Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets.
"We cannot let up in our efforts. That's why today I'm announcing another $500 million aid package under the Presidential Decision Authority (PDA) program.
It includes additional missiles for Ukraine's air defense, more surface-to-air missiles and other equipment to support Ukraine's F-16s," - said U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. – зауважив міністр оборони США Ллойд Остін.
In conclusion, Lloyd Austin emphasized the importance of continued support for Ukraine. He expressed confidence that the nearly 50 members of the Contact Group will remain united in the future, as this war is not only about Ukraine's survival, but also about global security, including Europe, the United States and the world at large.
Author: Inna Mikhno