Ramstein: Dozens of Kiev allies discussed military aid for Ukrainian counter-offensive
Crucial summit for the future of the war in Ukraine. Dozens of Kiev's allies discussed military aid for the counter-offensive against the Russians. An emergency meeting of the allies was held at Ramstein air base in Germany, where they discussed stepping up support to repel the Russian invasion. Also on the agenda was the issue of fighter jets needed by Ukraine. The Ramstein meeting also has symbolic significance: it is a signal to Russia about the unity of the West.
Some 50 of Ukraine's allies, urged by President Volodimir Zelenski to deliver arms and ammunition, met in Germany to coordinate military aid to Kiev, which says it is preparing a major counter-offensive. US defence secretary Lloyd Austin opened the meeting at Ramstein air base, stressing the need to step up military support for Ukraine. Austin told representatives of NATO member states that Washington has so far provided Kiev with more than $35 billion, and the alliance's aid has exceeded $55 billion for security assistance.
"The world sees what we have achieved together. The Ukrainian military is holding its own, with capabilities and courage. After more than a year of Russian aggression and deception, this group is more united than ever and more global than ever, and our support for the forces of freedom in Ukraine is strong and real," said Lloyd Austin.
Some allies, such as Estonia and Latvia, have donated more than 1% of their GDP to Ukraine's cause. The European Union recently announced a major initiative to boost industrial munitions production. Canada is providing $29 million in aid, including 40 sniper rifles and ammunition, as well as radios for Leopard tanks.
The US will send 31 Abrams tanks to Germany by the end of May to train more than 250 Ukrainian troops. At the heart of the Ramstein talks is the issue of funding the entire logistics chain needed to maintain, repair and replace the weapons already sent to Kiev. In the Ramstein Contact Group, the foreign ministers of Germany, Poland and Ukraine signed a memorandum on the Leopard 2 tank supply chain.
"Our path continues. It is very important for the stability of the technology we delivered. We have to maintain, repair, and take care of all the equipment you need on a daily basis. So thank you for this excellent cooperation," said German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.
According to Pistorius, up to 200 million euros a year could be needed to provide the Leopard 2 tank service centre, with the money to be provided by the allies. Another issue is air defence. Ukraine is insisting on modern defence systems, long-range weapons and fighter jets. So far, the United States has not decided to provide fighter jets and neither has Berlin. That's because the Bundeswehr doesn't have enough military aircraft either.
