The Pentagon Chief said about "a crucial time" in the war in Ukraine

Ukraine's fight for freedom has now entered a crucial time. Therefore, it is extremely important that not only Ukrainians who are resisting Russian aggression but also the coalition of our country's partner countries that are helping the Ukrainian people to overcome the aggressor, maintain their resolve and unity.

U.S. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, stated this during an online meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (the Ramstein group), Ukrinform reports. According to the U.S. Secretary of Defense, it is now very important that partners following on their commitments to help Ukraine "fully and quickly".

According to Austin, the United States and the coalition of countries that support Ukraine in confronting Russia's large-scale aggression are now at a crucial time in the course of Ukraine's fight for freedom.

"We are now at a crucial time in the course of Ukraine's fight for freedom. And we must all demonstrate our continued resolve and unity," the U.S. Defense Secretary emphasized.

Austin is convinced that now more than ever it is important that partner countries follow on their commitments to help Ukraine "fully and quickly."

The Pentagon Chief emphasized that the international coalition at this stage must provide Ukraine with full capabilities for the fight ahead. It is not only about additional weapons but also about spare parts and maintenance of the previously transferred equipment.

"So this Contact Group is focused on coordinating long-term sustainment," Austin added.

According to Lloyd Austin, it is now very important to find ways to get new donations of ammunition and air-defense systems to Ukraine. All this is needed "for yesterday".

"To increase ammunition production, members of this Contact Group are coming together to develop innovative solutions to industrial-production problems. And I'm confident that we'll continue to step up to meet Ukraine's needs into this spring and well beyond," Austin said, likely referring to the expected start of the spring counteroffensive by the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

He emphasized: "The Kremlin has demonstrated again and again that it pays no heed to the lives of its own forces and has been intensifying its reckless war of conquest. Russia keeps sending wave after wave of cruise missiles and Iranian suicide drones to terrorize Ukrainian cities and civilians. But Ukraine's air-defense systems—many of which this group has provided —are fighting back to keep civilians safe from Russia's bombardment."

However, Lloyd Austin added, "Ukraine's air-defense systems—many of which this group has provided—are fighting back to keep civilians safe from Russia's bombardment."

The Defense Secretary expressed confidence that the international coalition supporting Ukrainians will remain united and resolute for as long as it takes.

As a reminder, the 10th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (the Ramstein group) is taking place online on Wednesday. The participants of the meeting are traditionally familiarizing themselves with the latest developments on the battlefield and discussing their next steps for a joint response.

It is expected that this time the priority will be the supply of ammunition for the Ukrainian army, new air defense systems and armored vehicles that Ukrainian soldiers need to form a "tank fist" before launching a counteroffensive.

On the eve of the meeting, Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Oleksii Reznikov, said he was optimistic about the future and hinted at a significant strengthening of the Ukrainian army on the battlefield.

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