Ramstein members approve sending long-range weapons to Ukraine

US Defense Minister Lloyd Austin said the participants of the 11t Ramstein defense meeting supported the transfer of missiles to Ukraine's air defense, he says during the press conference.

He stressed that Russia continues to shell civilian infrastructure: schools, hospitals, and residential buildings having no military purpose.

Allies hope that Ukraine will be able to protect its citizens from Russian drones and missiles with their long-range missiles.

Many participants of the current meeting also supported the proposal to provide anti-aircraft missiles and other heavy weapons, the US Secretary of Defense said.

Austin noted the allies understand Ukraine's needs. In addition, the EU proposes to speed up the production and supply of ammunition for Ukraine.

The meeting backed Ukraine's aspirations to join NATO at some point in the future, but officials stressed the immediate focus was helping Ukraine on the battlefield.

Ukraine has pressed its allies for long-range weapons, jets, and ammunition ahead of a counter-offensive. The allies pledged to speed up forming a tank coalition consisting of modern vehicles.

Ukraine's defense minister Oleksii Reznikov confirmed the arrival of the Patriot air defense system. So far, Ukraine has received the systems from the US, Netherlands, and Germany.