Allies increase supply of new air defense systems to Ukraine
21 April, 2023 Allies of Ukraine during the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
21.04.2023. Germany. Photo credits: Oleksii Reznikov
On April 21, the 11th meeting of more than 50 allies of Ukraine took place at the Ramstein base in Germany - the meeting of the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine. Lloyd Austin, U.S. Defense Secretary, noted that the Contact Group during a few months supplied Ukraine with more than 230 tanks, 1,550 units of armored vehicles and other equipment and ammunition.
All this assistance was provided to support more than nine new armored brigades. He also said that in a few weeks, M1 Abrams tanks would arrive in Germany, on which defenders of Ukraine would undergo training. According to Austin, allies, including Germany and the Netherlands, have agreed to supply mine rollers, vehicles and fuel tanks to Ukraine.
Many members of the Contact Group are also intensifying the supply of new air defense systems and ammunition for them, which is critically needed by Ukraine. "We all believe that air defense systems are most needed for Ukraine right now to protect against massive Russian missile attacks.
We will emphasize this, because it is priority No1, in particular, in the near future," said Austin, answering the question about the transfer of combat aircraft to Ukraine. He noted that Ukraine requires tools to protect its critical infrastructure, citizens, and troops during their movements to the rear. According to Austin, the partners understand Ukraine's needs.
During the evening address, Volodymyr Zelensky said that he is now waiting for a report from Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov on the results of the Ramstein meeting. "Maximum attention to meeting in the Rammstein format all day, today is a meeting. I thank those partners whose determination is fully in line with the actual situation and needs on the battlefield.
I am waiting for the defense minister's report on the results of Ramstein," Zelensky said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyi, President of Ukraine. Photo credits: Office of the President
He also said that currently, Ukraine is actively preparing new brigades and units for the front line. "Issues of their support, training, integration into the general Defense Plan - every time at the meetings of the Headquarters we add important details," he emphasized.
A year ago, the first meeting of the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine took place at the American Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where Ukraine's needs for weapons were discussed.