Moldova, Georgia, and Ecuador have joined Ramstein format meeting

Moldova, Georgia, and Ecuador have joined a meeting of Chiefs of Staff and Defense Ministers in the Ramstein format, dedicated to providing military assistance to Ukraine.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated this at a meeting in Brussels.

Since the beginning of the russian invasion, more than 45 allies and partners from around the world have provided military assistance to Ukraine. It reflects global outrage at russia's unprovoked aggression and a global determination to defend rules-based order," he said.

"Today, I have the honor to receive the Ministers of Defense and Chiefs of Staff from more than 45 countries, as well as NATO and EU representatives. I am also pleased to welcome Ecuador, Georgia, and Moldova to join today's contact group meeting," Austin added.

According to him, since the online meeting three weeks ago, great progress has been made on several fronts.

Allies provide Harpoon missiles to improve Ukraine's coastal defense, and Britain provides M270 MLRS and training to help Ukraine defend Donbas. Some allies and partners provide howitzers and artillery ammunition which Ukrainian forces are already using to defend Donbas. "We have done a lot, but we must not waste time. We are going to deepen our support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces in today's struggle and increase their strength in the face of tomorrow's threats," the Pentagon chief said.

"We must strengthen our readiness to increase Ukraine's opportunities for self-defense, and we must make even greater efforts so that Ukraine can protect itself, its citizens, and its territory," he said.