On Friday, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will again host a meeting of the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base in Germany to discuss additional military assistance to Ukraine.
The meeting will take place during his four-day trip to Europe, during which he also visited Sweden.
This is the eleventh meeting of the contact group and the first since the American public and the international community became aware of the leak of classified American military information, which particularly related to operations in Ukraine.
A senior US defense official said public awareness of the contents of the leaked documents should not hamper the Contact Group’s ongoing efforts to support Ukraine, which is fighting to maintain its sovereignty in the face of a Russian invasion.
“We have heard from allies and partners that they are determined not to let negative news or the promotion of negative news undermine our unity, composure and sense of purpose,” the official said.
According to the official, as in previous meetings of the contact group, the discussions will likely be linked to supporting Ukraine now and in the future, while replenishing the funds provided to Kiev by the countries to maintain their own defense.
“Countries are really doing both at the same time,” the official said. “I expect this to be a very practical undertaking based on a common understanding of the importance of unity and unity of purpose.”
The first Contact Group meeting took place in April 2022. Since then, up to 50 countries have taken part in the meetings, joining forces to provide security assistance to Ukraine.
Prior to the meeting, the United States announced a new $325 million military assistance package for Ukraine.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the package would include more ammunition and artillery shells. It is the 36th aid package since the war began in February 2022, she told a briefing.
“This security assistance program includes more munitions for HIMARS systems and artillery shells supplied by the United States, as well as anti-tank systems, small arms, logistics support vehicles and the maintenance necessary to supporting Ukrainian defenders on the battlefield,” said Secretary of State Anthony. Blinker. – Russia can end its war today. Until Russia does, the United States, our allies, and our partners will stand united with Ukraine for as long as it takes. »
Denmark and the Netherlands, for their part, announced that they would jointly transfer 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.
This was reported in a joint statement from the two countries.
“The Netherlands and Denmark today announce their intention to jointly acquire, repair and transfer 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine,” the document reads.
It also says Leopard 2 tanks will be delivered to Ukraine from early 2024 “as part of our long-term commitment to it.”
The cost of supplies is estimated at 165 million euros.
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