As a result of the Contact Group on the Defense of Ukraine, Kyiv’s partners promised to provide new aid packages.
Kyiv’s Western allies held the seventh meeting in the Ramstein format. This time the meeting took place against the backdrop of a massive missile attack on Ukraine and the dropping of missiles on Polish territory.
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The main topic of the meeting was the protection of the Ukrainian sky and the creation of an integrated and layered air defense system, Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said.
“A significant part of today’s talks, involving almost 50 countries, is focused on how we can provide Ukraine with the right combination of air defense systems and munitions to continue to control the skies and prevent superior air superiority of Russia,” he said and said. what the Western allies will provide. .
Following the meeting, the head of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, confirmed that the task of the allies was to create such a system.
Sweden
Sweden has pledged a $287 million aid package that includes air defense systems. At the same time, the Swedish government will present a separate $60 million winter aid package to Ukraine. It consists of three parts: humanitarian, military and political support through the EU. Specifically, the country will send air defense systems to Ukraine, but for security reasons it could not say which ones.
In addition to anti-aircraft systems, the military package includes off-road vehicles, winter equipment and protective equipment, as well as tents.
“Ukraine is clearly defending itself against a Russian offensive, which is more than expected, and part of the explanation for this is that they are getting a lot of support from other countries,” said Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
Canada
Canada announced at the seventh meeting in Ramstein the details of a new tranche of aid to Ukraine for about $34 million. These funds will supplement the $500 million package announced on November 14. The list was determined taking into account priorities articulated by Kyiv.
The funds will be distributed as follows: approximately $5 million for additional provision of satellite images for situational awareness of the Ukrainian military; more than $18 million for additional high-definition drone cameras; up to $10 million for cold weather equipment, including portable heaters, sleeping bags, etc., purchased from Canadian companies.
“Cameras and satellite imagery are critical for surveillance, intelligence and data collection. The new assistance will add to the support already provided – $17.38 million worth of satellite imagery and 62 drone cameras,” the communiqué said.
To help the Armed Forces of Ukraine with winter military uniforms and equipment – promised by Ottawa in total up to half a million units – contracts were signed with 11 Canadian companies.
Canada will continue its training mission for the Ukrainian military as part of Operation UNIFIER, currently underway in Britain, until the end of 2023.
Spain
Spain has pledged to transfer two additional Hawk anti-aircraft missile systems to the four already announced.
Madrid will provide Ukraine with a battery of 105-mm howitzers, which owns 21 Ukrainian soldiers based in Almeria, as well as additional generators to make up for the country’s power shortage. In addition, Spain donated 77,000 winter uniforms for military personnel in Ukraine.
Germany
Germany will help Ukraine with air defense systems, artillery and ammunition for the MLRS. Also during the meeting, the United States thanked Berlin for MARS II ammunition and artillery shells. In addition, it is known about the supply of tractors for tanks, vehicles for border guards, spare parts for heavy machine guns, mobile heating systems and means of combating kamikaze drones for in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Greece and Poland
In a Ramstein-style meeting, the Greek side announced the supply of 155-mm ammunition for artillery. The neighboring country will provide additional artillery, ammunition, as well as short-range air defense systems.
Russia lost
According to Mark Milley, the Kremlin made a huge strategic mistake by attacking Ukraine.
“They (the Russians – ed.) want to overthrow President Zelensky and his government, secure access to the Black Sea, capture Odessa, the entire territory up to the Dnieper. And then, after a pause, continue the offensive in Carpathians themselves. . They wanted to capture the whole of Ukraine, but lost and did not achieve these goals,” he said.
Failing to achieve strategic goals, Russia is suffering defeats at the operational and tactical levels. But the transfer of priorities to the acquisition of Donbass failed.
“All the invasion targets failed. We witnessed the Russian withdrawal from Kherson last week. They retreated across the river, moved to positions in the south. It is clear that the Russian will to war does not match the Ukrainian will to fight on the battlefield. . Along the entire front line with a length of about 900 km, the Ukrainians achieved victory after victory,” added Milli.
Russian losses
According to Western allies, during the war in Ukraine, the Russian army suffered heavy losses in manpower and equipment.
“They lost a large number of tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, they lost a lot of fighters and helicopters of the 4th and 5th generation,” Milli stressed.
The head of the Pentagon, Lloyd Austin, in turn, called the Russian losses shocking and he was amazed at the number of missiles that had already been launched in Ukraine. According to him, Russia cannot quickly replenish the stocks of missiles, and for this it may take many years.
Winter will play into Ukraine’s hands
The head of the Pentagon is confident that the Armed Forces of Ukraine will gain an advantage at the beginning of the cold season. This will be facilitated by modern winter equipment, as the Russians cannot establish the necessary supplies with current logistics.
“I don’t think the Ukrainians will let them stay in the winter. I think the Ukrainians will continue to be pressed and the situation on the battlefield will change dynamically. Resting and rearming Russia is a mistake. I don’t believe they would agree,” Austin 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.