Ramstein-8: what is known
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In Germany, negotiations began in the Ramstein format. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has already turned to his allies, calling on them to help speed up the victory of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
RBC-Ukraine writes about the first results of "Ramstein-8" and participants' statements, Rubryka reports.
What is known at the moment?
- The eighth Defense Advisory Group talks began on January 20 at the US Air Force Base "Ramstein" in Germany.
- Representatives of the military departments of more than 50 allied countries are participating in the meeting.
- Ukraine is represented by Minister of Defense Oleksii Reznikov.
- The results of the negotiations will be known in the evening. The final press conference is scheduled for 17:30.
- The meeting was opened by Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin. In his introductory speech, he called on partners not to weaken their support for Ukraine and to act decisively.
"This is a crucial moment. russia is regrouping, recruiting, and trying to re-equip. This is not the moment 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 will not back down or waver in our determination to help Ukraine defend itself from russian imperial aggression," Austin emphasized.
What assistance will Ukraine receive?
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that Germany is ready to speed up the development of Leopard 2 tanks if it has appropriate agreements with its allies.
Pistorius said it is "wrong" to say that Germany is blocking the supply of tanks to Ukraine. According to him, there are currently strong arguments "for" and "against" sending the Leopard 2 of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The minister noted that Germany would not give up its support for Ukraine. He called air defense the number one priority for the country.
"Germany will supply Ukraine with additional weapons and equipment worth one billion euros," the minister said in a statement.
According to him, thanks to this "spring package," the total amount of German military aid since the beginning of the war has increased to 3.3 billion euros.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that the new military aid package from the United States to Ukraine would include NASAMS air defense systems and Avenger air defense systems.
"Our new package provides even more air defense capabilities to help Ukraine protect its cities and skies," he said.
Zelensky addressed the participants of "Ramstein-8".
The head of Ukraine spoke at the summit via video link. He called on the participants to speed up military aid, as prolonging the war was helping russia.
The president added that Ukraine needs tanks, air defense systems, artillery, and aircraft.
"You are strong people from powerful countries. I urge you to make such decisions that can deprive russian evil of any power. It is in your power to guarantee artillery and planes that will suppress terror. It is in your power to win," he said.
According to Zelensky, providing Ukraine with long-range missiles and F-16 fighter jets will be a step forward compared to the aid that the allies are providing now.
The main priorities of Ukraine
The head of the Ministry of Defense, Oleksii Reznikov, announced good news for Ukrainian soldiers based on today's Ramstein meeting results.
The minister also highlighted three priorities for Ukraine at the negotiations:
- more air defense systems;
- weapons for offensive operations (tanks, howitzers, ammunition);
- systematic supply of ammunition, maintenance, and repair of weapons and equipment.
Reference
It should be noted that a day before the Advisory Group's next meeting, several countries announced new military aid packages. They include additional air defense systems, HIMARS missiles, modern armored vehicles, and self-propelled guns.
Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anushauskas said that during Ramstein, it would be known which countries will send tanks to Ukraine.
