Strengthening air defense and the situation on the battlefield: Zelenskyy discusses support for Ukraine with Austin during Ramstein meeting

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held talks in the framework of the 25th meeting in the Ramstein format. The main topics of discussion were the situation at the front, Ukraine's need for UAVs, and strengthening Ukraine's air defense.

Zelenskyy shared the details of the meeting on his official Telegram channel. "As part of the Ramstein meeting, I met with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. We discussed support for Ukraine," the president said.

He added that the main topics of the conversation were the situation on the battlefield, the role of drones, and Ukraine's defense needs for various types of UAVs.

The President thanked the United States for the $500 million aid package announced during Ramstein, the President's Office reports.

"Ukraine is grateful to the United States, the entire American people, both parties and both chambers for their support, which helps to preserve the independence and protect people's lives in the fight against unprovoked and criminal Russian aggression," the Ukrainian leader thanked.

Zelenskyy and the Pentagon chief also discussed in detail the situation on the battlefield, particularly in the Pokrovsk sector, and the course of the Kursk operation.

Both officials noted the crucial role of drones at this stage of the war, with Zelenskyy also speaking about Ukraine's defense needs for drones of various types.

"Ukraine's strong positions on the battlefield are important for bringing a just and lasting peace closer," the OP said.

One of the main topics of the meeting was also the implementation of the decisions of the NATO Washington Summit, in particular, the strengthening of Ukrainian air defense.

Zelenskyy and Austin discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defense and the prospects for the transfer of additional air defense systems, including in cooperation with other countries.

Other issues discussed included the further activities of the Coalition in the Ramstein format and the launch of the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) initiative.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, on January 9, Zelenskyy arrived in Germany by plane for the 25th meeting in the Ramstein format. The current meeting, which may be the last, is attended by defense ministers from 54 countries.

Speaking at the Ramstein, the Ukrainian president said that the DPRK army has already lost about 4,000 people in the Kursk region. Zelenskyy also said that UAVs have changed the nature of warfare and called for work in this direction.

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