Kosovo to send armored vehicles and mortar shells to Ukraine

The partially recognized Republic of Kosovo will provide Ukraine with two military assistance packages, including trucks, armored vehicles, and artillery shells for mortars. 

The Minister of Defense of Kosovo, Ejup Maqedonci, made this statement at the 20th Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting, Rubryka reports.

"Today at the UDCG meeting, I announced our second package of military aid for Ukraine, consisting of mortar rounds," the defense department chief wrote on X.

Maqedonci also said Kosovo would continue to support "Ukraine in its heroic fight against Russian aggression."

The minister also announced that the first assistance package, including trucks, tactical, and armored vehicles, would be delivered to Ukraine next week.

The partially recognized state is sending military aid to Ukraine for the first time. Kosovo is among the countries that have condemned and supported EU sanctions against Russia for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

What we know about "Ramstein-20"

The 20th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, frequently called the "Ramstein" format, took place on March 20 and was chaired by Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin.

The German Ramstein AB military airbase hosted the event, where allies gathered for the first time in the spring of 2022. Ministers of defense and senior military officials from about 50 countries worldwide were invited to the meeting.

Ammunition was the main topic of discussion at the meeting, as Ukrainian defense forces need them the most on the battlefield. Many countries have declared aid packages, including artillery shells -of 155mm, 152mm, 105mm, and other calibers.

Meanwhile, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced a new military aid package to Ukraine but said he had no news about Taurus missiles.

Pistorius stressed the importance of achieving sustainable support for Ukraine, which is a "daily task." According to him, Berlin plans to expand cooperation with Poland, including in ammunition production, and to assure Ukraine that it can continue to rely on support.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said allies were focused on two points regarding assistance to Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.