Ammunition, air defense systems, F-16 fighters, and drones became priority topics during the jubilee meeting of the Contact Group on Defense Matters for Ukraine. This was reported by Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov on March 19 on his Facebook page.
"Two important and productive days were filled with meetings with partners. Yesterday, there was a very important meeting in Wiesbaden with the military leadership of key partner countries. The Ukrainian delegation presented the plan for 2024, voiced critical needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and presented the latest achievements in fortification construction. It is essential to maintain such meeting formats on the eve of the meetings of the Contact Group on Defense Matters for Ukraine", - he emphasized.
According to him, the Ukrainian team had a separate meeting with Secretary Austin and General Brown, during which they discussed Ukraine's plan for 2024, fortification construction, strengthening of Ukrainian air defense, and provision of electronic warfare means. Long-range strike capabilities were also discussed.
"During today's 20th meeting in the Ramstein format, the coalition of partner countries demonstrated its unity and activity in assisting Ukraine. Ammunition – that's what our soldiers critically need. They will receive it! This was the main topic of the meeting. Partners announced aid packages, including artillery shells of 155mm, 152mm, 105mm, and others. We are grateful to our partners for searching and finding ammunition around the world, which is so necessary to resist the aggressor. Air defense to protect our cities, to protect our soldiers from russian aviation dropping bombs on our positions. There will be more missiles for our air defense systems. I am grateful to the Minister of Defense of Germany, who noted that the sky over Ukraine belongs to Ukrainians. Therefore, our common task is to ensure Ukraine's advantage in the air", - said Umerov.
Additionally, F-16s should help defend our sky. Therefore, Ukraine is actively working with all involved partners: the United States, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, Romania, and others, to have the aircraft in Ukraine as soon as possible.
"Our war for the restoration of territorial integrity is the first full-scale drone war. Several new countries have joined the drone coalition and made contributions. The first results of this coalition will be the first drone deliveries to Ukraine already in March. We are also discussing the possibility of investing in Ukrainian production of those UAVs that have already proven their effectiveness on the battlefield. I also had a series of bilateral meetings: Germany, Sweden, Greece, France, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Portugal", - added Umerov.
