Let's not let Ukraine fail

2024-03-19 17:15:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The US and Germany have promised more aid to Ukraine. Defense Minister Pistorius promised ammunition and vehicles. His American counterpart, Austin, emphasized that Ukraine will not be allowed to fail.

Ukraine's determination to reject the Russian war of aggression remains intact. However, the military situation is tense. Kiev's allies have now confirmed further support at a meeting in Ramstein. German Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius announced in it a new aid package from Germany, worth 500 million euros. This includes ammunition for 10,000 rounds from Bundeswehr reserves, Pistorius told the Ramstein Group meeting. He said shipments would begin immediately. Germany will also cover the cost of ammunition for 180,000 rounds, as part of the ongoing Czech initiative. Delivery will be phased in and will begin in the summer. Also, 100 armored infantry vehicles and 100 transport vehicles will be delivered as part of a new aid package.

Austin: Ukraine must not fail

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also assured Ukraine of more support, despite US Congressional blockades. For months, Congress has not approved a bill that would provide about $60 billion in aid to Ukraine. Some US Republicans are opposed, but Austin declared at the meeting: "America will not allow Ukraine to fail. This coalition will not allow Ukraine to fail. And the free world will not allow Ukraine to fail." This is a joint commitment to the long-term future of Ukraine.

"Investment in common security"

Austin went on to say that Ukraine's defense spending was "an investment in our shared security." And he added: "Let's not kid ourselves. Putin will not be happy with Ukraine." However, Ukraine can "stop Putin," as US President Joe Biden said, if "we stand with Ukraine and provide it with the weapons it needs for its defense." Ukraine's survival is at stake. And the security of all of us is at stake." "We will also help Ukraine build a future military," Austin said. This will ensure long-term security." He talked about so-called coalitions of capabilities, in which several countries work together on drones, for example. "We will not give up in our efforts," Austin stressed.

"Horrible price for Putin's imperial dreams"

Austin referred to the losses suffered by the Russian military since the start of its war of aggression against Ukraine in February 2022. "Russia has paid a terrible price for Putin's imperial dreams," the US Secretary of Defense said. At least 315,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded since the war began. More than 50 Western countries belong to the Ramstein format and have officially joined forces as the Contact Group for the Defense of Ukraine. The group met for the first time on April 26, 2022 at the American base in Ramstein./ DW