US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reassured Ukraine of continued support, emphasizing that Washington is committed to providing the necessary resources to resist Russian aggression despite obstacles from congressional Republicans blocking military aid.
Speaking at a NATO meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, Austin emphasized the harsh conditions and tough fighting Ukrainian troops are facing. He stressed the urgent need for Western countries to provide more weapons and ammunition to counter Russian military aggression.
Asserting that the US will not allow Ukraine to fail, Austin underscored the collective determination of the coalition and the free world to support Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.
He highlighted a new $300 million security assistance package announced by the US to address Ukraine’s immediate needs for air defense, artillery, and anti-tank capabilities.
Austin noted that the aid package was assembled using defense savings from other areas, bypassing Republican opposition in the US Congress.
He also mentioned contributions from other countries like the Czech Republic, Germany, France, Denmark, and Sweden, which have recently announced significant military aid packages for Ukraine.
Austin mentioned that capability coalitions have been working to enhance arms deliveries to Ukraine, conduct ongoing training missions, and promote defense cooperation initiatives. He emphasized the progress made by these coalitions and reiterated the commitment to identify and address gaps in support for Ukraine.
The meeting at Ramstein Air Base comes amid growing concerns in Kyiv about the sustainability of US military support due to Republican opposition and the possibility of a second term for former President Donald Trump.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has recently appealed to Western allies for more support, citing critical shortages of ammunition, particularly artillery shells, in the Ukrainian army.
