Air defense systems are a priority: Austin promises that Ukraine will receive promised weapons "soon"

The United States stands firmly with Ukraine and will continue to support it with military assistance to ensure that the Armed Forces receive everything they need in the war against the aggressor Russia. The top priorities for arms supplies from the United States are currently air defense systems and their missiles.

This was stated by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin at the opening of the meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense in the Ramstein format on Monday, May 20. He emphasized that his country is trying to do everything to ensure that Ukraine receives what it needs at this time.

"After all, all this can strengthen the situation on the battlefield. We are providing ammunition for systems such as HIMARS, strengthening air defense systems, and heavy armored vehicles. We are providing further aid packages after U.S. President Joe Biden signed $51 billion in aid last year," Austin said.

He noted that Russia is now deploying various resources, such as "shahids", drones, and Korean missiles, terrorizing the civilian population of Ukraine.

"That's why air defense systems and missiles for these systems are now at the top of our agenda so that Ukraine can close its skies now," Austin said.

Austin also announced new aid packages and assured that American support "will steadily flow to Ukraine week after week."

According to him, the Ukrainian Defense Forces have already received some priority weapons, and more aid is on the way, including missiles for NASAMS and Patriot air defense systems, HIMARS MLRS and missiles for them, as well as armored vehicles.

"Another package worth $400 million was signed at the beginning of the month. New Patriot batteries have been delivered to strengthen Kyiv's defense and security. We are also following the requirements that Ukraine has given us for new NASAMS, HIMARS, 155 mm shells, more Javelin systems, etc. This package also includes armored vehicles so that Ukraine can rebuild its arsenal," Austin said.

The head of the Pentagon promised that the participants of the "Ramstein" would coordinate with Ukraine and transfer the necessary assistance to Ukraine, and since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, they have already allocated assistance for $ 95 billion.

As a reminder, another meeting in the Ramstein format was convened on Monday, May 20. The contact group on Ukraine's defense led by Austin and the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Brown, is meeting online.

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