Ukraine’s armed sons will receive millions in military aid packages from several countries.
In Brussels, at the headquarters of NATO, on October 10, the 16th meeting of the Contact Group on the Defense of Ukraine took place. The purpose of this meeting is to accelerate the provision of weapons to the Ukrainian defenders in order to avoid stopping the counter-offensive. The results of the negotiations are discussed later in the story. Correspondent.net.
US aid package
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, at a meeting in the Ramstein format, announced the allocation of a new military aid package for Ukraine in the amount of $200 million.
According to him, this package includes M9M ammunition and new air defense systems, which will soon be delivered to Ukraine.
In addition, soon the Ukrainian Armed Forces will receive artillery, missiles, air defense ammunition, anti-tank weapons, as well as other necessary weapons to protect against Russian “martyrs”.
Austin also added that the allies at this meeting pledged to support Ukraine now and in the long term.
“We are now taking this concept a bit further. We are asking countries to organize coalitions focused on broader capabilities, not just specific platforms. As this Contact Group has increased the capacity to support Ukraine’s immediate needs, we will also align ourselves to coordinate our investment in Ukraine’s future forces,” the Pentagon chief added.
F-16 from Denmark
The country’s Defense Minister Trols Lund Pulsen said at a meeting of the Contact Group that Ukraine will receive the first F-16 fighter from Denmark in the spring of 2024 – in March or April.
At the same time, according to him, a lot of work needs to be done now so that the Ukrainians can operate these aircraft. In particular, we are talking about training pilots and support staff.
Poulsen also noted that several NATO allies, including the United States, have said they will take part in training the Ukrainians on the F-16, and that the Netherlands and Norway have also pledged to transfer fighters to Kiev.
However, the official did not specify how many aircraft Ukraine will receive from Denmark.
Belgium will also provide aircraft
Belgium will send some of its F-16 fighters to Kyiv, but this will happen in 2025, the country’s Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder said. According to him, the move will be linked to the replacement of these fighters with F-35s in Denmark.
The country will also continue to train Ukrainian pilots and offer maintenance services to the entire coalition F-16 fleet.
“We are in the process of enabling Ukraine to modernize its military. And I think what we are proposing here is important and better than just announcing some F-16s,” Dedonder said.
Lithuania will move to NASAMS
Lithuania has announced that it will provide Ukraine with a new military aid package. This includes two new NASAMS launchers and 155 mm caliber ammunition.
In addition, the country will provide “winter supplies” to the Ukrainian Armed Forces – these are electric generators, army camp beds and clothing.
Lithuania will also continue training and rehabilitation of Ukrainian military personnel.
Britain will provide aid worth €115 million
The UK is preparing a new support package for the Ukrainian Armed Forces worth more than 100 million pounds sterling (about 117 million euros). This includes essential equipment for Ukrainian soldiers to help overcome mines.
The aid included bridging facilities to help create river crossings and trenches and vehicles to destroy Russia’s non-explosive barriers.
In addition, the package will help Ukraine maintain its vehicles and strengthen defense fortifications to protect critical infrastructure.
Britain, as part of a meeting of the Ramstein group, also announced the signing of contracts for the production of the new MSI-DS Terrahawk Paladin anti-drone anti-aircraft system for Kyiv.
Norway will assist with mine clearance
Norway will provide 200 million kroner (about 17.4 million euros) for the demining of areas in Ukraine where hostilities took place. It is noted that with this amount, the country’s contribution in this matter is doubled: before that, since February 2022, Norway has provided 164 million kroner for mine clearance.
The money will be provided through mine action organizations such as Norwegian People’s Aid, HALO Trust and the UN system.
“Mine clearance saves lives and protects civilians, including children. It is also a prerequisite for other aid and infrastructure restoration,” said Foreign Minister Anniken Uitfeld.
Help from Finland
During Ramstein’s meeting, the Finnish government announced a new military aid package to Ukraine worth around 95 million euros.
“The outcome of the war in Ukraine will decide the security order of Europe and Finland in the future. Therefore, together with our allies, we will continue our strong support for Ukraine,” said Finnish Defense Minister Antti Gäkkinen.
At the same time, he did not disclose the contents of the new support package, as well as the timing of its provision.
Union for the purchase of shells
Norway, Sweden and Denmark also said they had joined forces to buy artillery shells for Ukraine.
“The three countries are contributing almost NOK 600 million together, and Ukraine will receive ammunition in 2024,” said Norwegian Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gramm.
The Danish Ministry of Defense added that the country will also contribute 150 million Danish kroner.
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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.