Ukraine needs more air defense systems from international partners to protect its underground gas storage facilities, which are crucial to Europe's energy security.
Against the backdrop of russian missile attacks, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin called on countries with Patriot air defense systems to transfer them to Ukraine, emphasizing that air defense was a key topic at the last meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
At the meeting in Ramstein, Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi informed the coalition members about the difficult operational situation in Ukraine, the deteriorating strategic situation, and the urgent need for missiles and ammunition.
The U. S. will provide Ukraine with the largest military aid package ever, worth $6 billion, including vehicles, air defense systems, artillery ammunition, anti-drone weapons, and air-to-ground missiles for fighter jets, to significantly improve the situation in Ukraine.
At the Ramstein meeting, Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin said that the partners would focus on strengthening Ukraine's air defense by providing more air defense systems, interceptor missiles, artillery, and armored vehicles to help Ukraine protect its citizens and regain occupied territories.
This year, more than a squadron of F-16 fighter jets, pilots and support personnel trained by members of the Contact Group on Ukraine's defense will start arriving in Ukraine.
The 21st virtual meeting of the contact group was opened by U. S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
Pentagon Secretary Lloyd Austin discusses Russia's invasion of Ukraine and further coordination of security assistance to Ukraine with Romanian National Defense Minister Angel Tilvar in a telephone conversation.
President Zelenskyy outlined the priorities for tomorrow's meeting in Ramstein. According to him, it is necessary to work on filling the packages with the necessary weapons and on logistics.
On Friday, U. S. Secretary of Defense Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will chair the 21st virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, marking two years since the first such meeting.
The $95 billion aid package approved by Congress will provide vital security assistance to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression and strengthen U. S. security over the long term.
The US and Norwegian defense ministers discussed support for Ukraine, condemned Iranian aggression, and emphasized the importance of cooperation in the North due to russia's aggressive behavior.
Russian diesel exports have been falling for several weeks, by an average of 25%, following recent drone attacks on the country's refineries.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Umerov discussed with Pentagon chief Austin the enemy's plans, ways to disrupt them, and the need to strengthen Ukraine's air defense with more missiles.
russia is spending time and effort to restore the infrastructure damaged by Ukrainian attacks, diverting its efforts from other areas, including a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba sees no causal link between the attacks on oil refineries in Russia and the problems in the global energy market and calls for the transfer of the necessary air defense systems to Ukraine to protect its energy infrastructure.
Netanyahu may benefit politically from the continuation of the war in the Middle East, as it may delay his imprisonment on corruption charges.
The United States asks Israel to warn of Iran's possible response, and Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin assures Israel of the United States' full support against attacks by Iran and its allies.
Biden and Netanyahu spoke by phone after Iran's attack on Israel, with Biden interrupting his weekend trip to meet with national security advisers.
In a few weeks, Russia will outnumber Ukraine in artillery by 10 to 1, according to a statement to Congress by Christopher Cavoli, commander of the U. S. Forces in Europe, in which he called for urgent funds to help Ukraine.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that Ukraine has the right to strike legitimate military targets outside its territory in self-defense against russian invasion, in accordance with the UN Charter.
Ukraine has never used Western weapons to strike at the territory of the Russian Federation, in compliance with the conditions for the use of such weapons set by international partners.
Lloyd Austin, the head of the Pentagon, opposed Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries, advising Ukraine to focus on strikes that have a direct impact on the war.
Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Chief of the General Staff Oleksandr Syrsky discussed the current situation on the battlefield, the consequences of Russian attacks, and the need for additional air defense systems and missiles with U. S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin during their weekly phone call.
The White House rejects a proposal to place the U. S.-led Ramstein Group, which coordinates arms shipments to Ukraine, under NATO leadership, insisting that the United States retain its leadership role.
The United States is discussing with its allies the possibility of transferring the coordination of the Defense Contact Group on Ukraine, which supplies Kyiv with weapons, to NATO control if Donald Trump wins the next presidential election.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Umerov discusses with Pentagon chief Austin the recent Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian cities and the need to increase air defense systems.
Israeli Defense Minister Galant will meet with U. S. Defense Secretary Austin to ask for an expedited transfer of more U.S. weapons and equipment, including precision munitions and fighter jets, to support Israel's war in Gaza.
Amid Russia's missile attack on Kyiv, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called on the U. S. Congress to unblock aid to Ukraine to save lives, protect freedom and defeat Russian terror.
Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov held several hours of talks with U. S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, during which he discussed Ukraine's defense needs and planning in detail, thanking the United States for its support in ensuring Ukraine's future peace and victory.