Today, a plan for the training of Ukrainian pilots in the F-16 was adopted, the transfer of hundreds of air defense missiles to Ukraine was agreed, and a new “coalition” was created.
The 13th meeting of the Contact Group on the Defense of Ukraine ended in Brussels. The priorities of the new assembly in the Ramstein format are the provision of Ground Forces, air defense systems, as well as the training of Ukrainian pilots in F-16 fighters.
In addition, the defense ministers of Luxembourg and Estonia agreed to take a major role in the formation of a new “coalition”.
When Ukraine can use the F-16
The Netherlands and Denmark have announced plans to train Ukrainian pilots in modern fighter jets, including the F-16. As US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin clarified, at today’s meeting they discussed the plan for training Ukrainian pilots and it should move forward. And in a month after that, you will see serious changes.
“We continue to work with Denmark and the Netherlands together to complete this plan, but it will take time and we are really moving seriously towards implementing this plan, working with other partners,” added Austin.
In turn, the head of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mark Milley, noted that it is too early to say when the F-16 aircraft will be able to join the war.
epaimages.com/ Lloyd Austin and Mark Milley
“We are at the beginning of the planning process now. Several countries are ready to join, to help. It is too early to say when it will be possible to join the conflict in Ukraine. We still have a lot to do, different systems of help, so that it is activated only afterwards,” said Milli.
Other military assistance
Overall, Austin said the Allies are taking care of Ukraine’s immediate needs and responding to the changing situation on the battlefield. He also commented on the insignificant losses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the direction of Zaporozhye.
“This is a war. Therefore, we know that there will be losses in the battle on both sides … The damage of the battle will continue. I think that the Russians showed us the same 5 pieces of equipment about a thousand times from ten different angles. But, in reality, the Ukrainians still have a lot of combat capabilities,” the Pentagon chief added.
Austin also mentioned other Allied military assistance:
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Canada allocated another $500 million for air defense missiles to protect Ukraine’s skies;
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US, UK, Denmark and Netherlands to send hundreds of air defense missiles to Ukraine;
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Germany and Poland pledged to keep Leopard tanks;
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Norway and Germany have announced multi-year packages;
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Denmark announces a $2.6 billion long-term military aid package;
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Denmark and the Netherlands will supply Ukraine with another 14 Leopard 2 tanks.
Mark Milley added that the Ukrainian military is now being trained in 40 training centers on three continents.
“As part of the international effort, more than 6,000 Ukrainians are currently being trained. More than 40 training centers have been opened, 33 countries on three continents have been involved – all this has been happening since the beginning of a massive invasion,” he said.
According to him, since the start of the full-scale invasion, Western countries have trained more than 60,000 Ukrainian troops.
“The United States will supply Ukraine with weapons until Russia stops the aggression… Hundreds of thousands of Russians are dug in and waiting for the Ukrainians. It will be a difficult battle. But Ukraine will still win too!” he added.
new “coalition”
Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said that during the meeting in the Reimstein format, he agreed to create another “coalition” of Ukraine’s allies.
Recall that earlier Kyiv and its allies created a “tank coalition” and an “aviation coalition”, now, according to the head of the Ministry of Defense, an “IT coalition” is emerging.
“Today at the meeting, my colleagues François Bausch and Hanno Pevkur supported my idea of creating an “IT coalition” within Ramstein,” he wrote on Twitter.
The defense ministers of Luxembourg and Estonia are willing to lead the establishment of this group.
“So there is another coalition on the horizon that will ensure the success of Ukraine. It will certainly grow into something inspiring,” Reznikov added.
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.