The day before, the United States announced the largest package of weapons and supplies to Ukraine. The new $2.5 billion package "provides even more air defense to help Ukraine protect its cities and skies," Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said at the opening of the Ramstein meeting, which was attended by about 50 countries.
The package includes the new NASAMS, eight Avenger air defense systems. In addition to air defense, the package provides combat vehicles, including 59 new Bradleys, 90 Strykers, 350 Humvees, as well as artillery and ammunition.
"I am particularly proud that the US has significantly increased its security assistance to Ukraine. Last month we announced that we would provide a Patriot air defense battery and related munitions. We have also included Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and other armored vehicles in this core package of security assistance. And today, I'm pleased to announce another major new round of U.S. security assistance that will address Ukraine's most pressing needs on the battlefield," Austin said.
The package did not include American battle tanks, despite requests from the Ukrainian side.
The position regarding the transfer of German tanks remains uncertain. "There are arguments for and there are arguments against," German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on the sidelines of the Ramstein meeting, German media reported. "There is no consensus on Leopard deliveries," Pistorius told reporters. Poland previously indicated its readiness to supply German tanks. Britain recently announced the provision of Challenger tanks. The USA is considering providing tanks to Ukraine.
US Deputy Defense Minister Colin Kahl, after his visit to Kyiv, said at a press conference in response to a question about the possibility of transferring Abrams tanks that the US Ministry of Defense is still weighing "pros and cons."
Regarding the participation of allies in strengthening air defense, Austin noted that Germany announced the provision of Patriot systems to Ukraine, and Canada announced the transfer of NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine.
Germany also provides Marder infantry fighting vehicles, France - AMX-10 light tanks.
Finland on Friday announced its largest package of defense aid to Ukraine, amounting to almost 434 million dollars. The day before, a dozen countries announced "unprecedented" aid to Ukraine.
"This is a crucial moment," the head of the Pentagon said. "Russia is regrouping, recruiting and trying to rearm. This is not the time to slow down. It's time to dig deeper. The Ukrainian people are watching us. The Kremlin is watching us. And history is watching us. So we and we will not waver in our determination to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian imperial aggression.
Regarding the participation of allies in strengthening air defense, Austin noted that Germany announced the provision of Patriot systems to Ukraine, and Canada announced the transfer of NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine.
Germany also provides Marder infantry fighting vehicles, France - AMX-10 light tanks.
Finland on Friday announced its largest package of defense aid to Ukraine, amounting to almost 434 million dollars. The day before, a dozen countries announced "unprecedented" aid to Ukraine.
"This is a crucial moment," the head of the Pentagon said. "Russia is regrouping, recruiting and trying to rearm. This is not the time to slow down. It's time to dig deeper. The Ukrainian people are watching us. The Kremlin is watching us. And history is watching us. So we and we will not waver in our determination to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian imperial aggression.
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