Ukraine backed by anti-kremlin coalition of 54 nations – defense minister

The coalition that was formed to help Ukraine counter russian aggression includes 54 countries, says Ulraine's Minister of Defense Oleksii Reznikov.

There were so many delegations during the Ukraine Defense Contact Group's meeting, Oleksii Reznikov told FREEDOM TV in an interview, adding that since the Ramstein meeting took place in Brussels, there was also a meeting of defense ministers of NATO countries. 

"It was also a big meeting. Ukraine was invited as a guest of honor. And we continued our work," said the head of the department.

The minister assured that the West doesn't experience any war fatigue syndrome.

"If someone thinks that there is a syndrome of fatigue from Ukraine, from the war, then it is not true," Reznikov said. "Our partners are very, very — I emphasize — very determined. They are determined for our victory."

Minister Reznikov stressed that now is an entirely different mood than a year ago when Kyiv, the capital, was given three days to fall, and Ukraine was thought to fall after three weeks at most with some isolated fighting. 

"Today, everyone believes in the victory of Ukraine, and everyone wants this victory," the minister said. "Now everyone understands it. They clearly see that it is very realistic to restrain and defeat this russian so-called 'second army of the world.'"

Reznikov stressed that Ukraine proved it to the whole world, which is why it is inspired by the heroism of Ukrainian defenders, civilians, and all Ukrainians. "And they want to be co-creators of our victory," he added.

Reznikov assured that no political issues, including negotiations with russia, were discussed during Ramstein's meetings.

"We are discussing aid to Ukraine with weapons, launches of the military-industrial complex to produce shells and weapons, replenish their warehouses to improve our capabilities," the minister said. "Everyone understands that we need to go on a counter-offensive. Everyone understands that we must stop the russians and liberate the temporarily occupied territories."

Reznikov added that "russia's goal is to destroy Ukraine, restore the Soviet russian empire, absorb Ukraine, belarus, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, and restore the Berlin Wall."

The head of the ministry believes that "this goal is unattainable for them (russians – ed.), we will not let them do it, and the civilized world will support us."

For background

On February 14, the ninth meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, also called "Ramstein," took place in Brussels. Then Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said the allies would help Ukraine launch a counteroffensive in the spring.

At the same time, he added that eight countries would provide Ukraine with German-made Leopard tanks. In addition, the USA and the Czech Republic will give additional tanks to the T-72 already received from Poland.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said that according to the results of "Ramstein," Ukraine will receive even more air defense, tanks, artillery, and shells.