While the Russia-Ukraine war continues with all its violence, NATO countries and the USA are announcing their new military aid packages one after the other. Following Zelenskiy’s request for tanks and military support from his allies, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin called for increased military aid to Kiev at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group Meeting held at Ramstein Air Base and attended by nearly 50 countries.
“It’s Time To Go Deeper”
“The time has come to dig deeper. The Ukrainian people are watching us. The Kremlin is watching us. We will not give up on our determination to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian imperialist aggression,” said Austin. The President of Ukraine, Vladimir Zelenskiy, was connected to the meeting attended by Hulusi Akar, Minister of National Defense from Turkey, via video conference method. Making the opening speech of the meeting, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd said, “We are coming together in a very turbulent time. But if you look at this chart you will see the determination and unity of the Contact Group. “About 50 countries have stepped in to help Ukraine defend itself and deter future threats,” he said. Austin said, “When (Russian President) Vladimir Putin launched the invasion for no reason 11 months ago, he thought that Ukraine would just fall to the ground and the world would watch. But Putin did not take into account the courage of the Ukrainian people, the skill of the Ukrainian army, the on-screen (Zelenskiy) and those around this table. But we need to maintain our speed and determination. We need to go even deeper. Now is a decisive moment for the world and Ukraine. That’s why we shouldn’t make mistakes. We will support Ukraine’s self-defense until the end,” he said.
“ONE OF THE BIGGEST HELP PACKAGES EVER”
“Russia is running out of ammo. He suffered significant losses in the war. He looks to his few remaining partners to carry out his tragic and unnecessary attacks. However, Iran and North Korea will not accept that they are providing supplies to Russia,” he said. “I am particularly proud that the United States has greatly increased its security assistance to Ukraine. Last month, the United States announced that it would provide a Patriot air defense system and related munitions. We’ve included Bradley combat vehicles and other armored vehicles in this massive security aid package. Today, too, I am pleased to announce a new major security aid that helps meet Ukraine’s urgent needs at the front. This new military aid package is worth $2.5 billion and is one of the largest ever. “Since Russia’s unprovoked invasion in February, the United States has increased security aid to Ukraine to over $26.7 billion,” he said.
“59 BRADLEY, 90 STRYKER, 53 MRAP…”
Noting that the new military aid package also includes an air defense system, Austin said, “This includes NASAMS ammunition and 8 Avenger air defense systems. The new aid package also helps to meet Ukraine’s urgent need for armor and combat vehicles. In this context, we provide 59 Bradley, 90 Stryker, 53 MRAP and 350 armored Humvee vehicles. We’re also sending thousands more cannonballs. “The United States is therefore determined to do its part and lead the way to help Ukraine defend itself,” he said.
“GERMANY AND CANADA WILL PROVIDE AIR DEFENSE SYSTEM”
Emphasizing that the US will also provide training to Ukrainian soldiers, Austin noted that this will be done in harmony with the European Union and other countries. Austin said, “We are proud to stand with our valued allies and partners to support the defense of Ukraine. Poland has been a leader in providing armored vehicles, training Ukrainian forces, and hosting Ukrainian refugees. Germany also announced that it will supply the Patriot air defense system and Marder infantry fighting vehicle for Ukraine. Last week, Canada announced that it would supply Ukraine with NASAMS air defense system. This is a huge investment in Ukraine’s air defense power. France also announced a significant donation of AMX-10 tanks. Many European countries have announced their own training initiatives as part of the EU’s Military Assistance Mission to Ukraine. “These announcements, especially regarding air defense assistance, are the direct result of this Contact Group.”
“WE HAVE TO ACCELERATE”
In his speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, “I am grateful to you for this union. This is the format of dialogue and collaboration. We see its results on the battlefield in Ukraine. Thank you. I believe that our partnership will get stronger with each new meeting. But do we have much time? No. Terror does not allow discussion. The terror that burns the cities turns arrogant as the defenders of freedom feel their weapons against it run out. Russia’s war does not allow delays. I can thank you a hundred times and it will certainly be fair given what we’ve done so far. I really appreciate you all for the weapons you provided. All of them help save our people from terror, but time continues to move like a Russian weapon. We have to speed up. Just like the air defense system, munitions, armored vehicles and tanks we negotiated with you, time should become our common weapon, and this is what will actually ensure victory. I am sure that you will not allow such a world order where hatred prevails,” he said.
“CREAM SHOULD LOSE”
Stating that Russia wants to destroy the law and universal human values, Zelenskiy said, “The Russian troops are fighting for exactly this with their actions on the territory of Ukraine. To teach the world to hate. That’s why we have to speed up. We have to do this. We must act as quickly as a father or mother who saves her child. “The Kremlin must lose,” he said.
REACTION FROM RUSSIA: THE RESULTS WILL BE MINUS
Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitriy Peskov said that NATO and the USA’s support and weapons aid to Ukraine led to a cycle in conflicts.
Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitriy Peskov made new statements to journalists regarding the events in Ukraine and the support given by western countries to Ukraine. Claiming that NATO is directly or indirectly involved in the war in Ukraine, Peskov said, “We see that NATO countries are directly or indirectly involved in this conflict. We also hear the statements of the political will to continue the escalation of this tension. Thus, we have a belief that Ukraine will win on the battlefield. “There is a dramatic misconception about creating a perception. This is why it causes an upward cycle,” he said.
Speaking about the tank aid planned to be made by the USA to Kiev, Peskov said that this situation will create problems for Ukraine and said, “The consequences of this will definitely be negative for Ukraine. We have constantly said that such shipments will not change anything in principle and will add new problems for Ukraine and its people. Our experts are also aware of the problems that will come with these deliveries. These tanks need maintenance and repairs. Moreover, the delivery of these tanks will not change Russia’s goal of achieving its goals. It is important to consider the legal restrictions on shipments to third countries. Therefore, all shipments are military goods. “It depends on the obligations of the receiving countries. Of course, we will follow this process carefully,” he said.
Recommending that Western countries establish a dialogue with themselves against all these moves, Peskov said, “Germany, France and Ukraine played a game in the last 8 years over the Minsk Agreements. Now these countries must pay the price for their actions. The shamelessness of the game they played by deceiving Russia and Donbass and “They need to be aware of all the negative consequences and listen to Russia’s concerns,” he said. (UAV)