Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III spoke at the 12th Ukraine Defense Contract Group meeting where he made clear the strong commitment of the United States and its allies to Ukraine's security.
“The stakes are high,” Austin said in a release from the Department of Defense that transcribed comments made at the meeting. “But the cause is just. And our will is strong. We will continue to stand up for Ukraine's sovereign right to live in freedom. We'll continue to stand up for an open world of rules and rights.”
The virtual gathering on May 25 focused on enhancing cooperation and discussed ongoing efforts to support Ukraine's defense capabilities. The United States pledged an additional $1.8 billion in security assistance and also included essential equipment like ammunition, anti-tank systems and rockets. Germany, Denmark and France also announced significant contributions, reflecting the collective determination to assist Ukraine, the release said.
Austin said that training initiatives for the Ukrainian soldiers were another priority, with nine motorized and mechanized brigades having been trained already. The U.S. delivered 31 M1 Abrams training tanks, while also announcing plans to train Ukrainian pilots on fourth-generation aircraft including F-16s. Training is expected to take place in the coming weeks, and the efforts are geared at further strengthening the defense capabilities of Ukraine.
The Contact Group focused on ground-based air-defense systems and provided Ukraine with the Patriot air-defense system and other vital capabilities. The systems have played a major role in protecting the airspace of Ukraine, while intercepting Russian missiles.
Discussions at the meeting addressed the needs of Ukraine, in addition to exploring strategies to accelerate industrial production for critical systems. The Contact Group emphasized the commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
Austin concluded his speech by affirming that the Contact Group stands against Russian aggression and supports Ukrainian rights to freedom. The meeting also showcased unity and collective determination to defend Ukraine.
