“Ramstein raises over $80bn to support Ukraine: Pentagon statement

The international coalition in the Ramstein format has provided Ukraine with military assistance totalling more than $80 billion, Pentagon spokesman General Patrick Ryder said at a press conference, according to the

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Brown held the 18th meeting of the Contact Group, which was attended by representatives of more than 50 countries that meet regularly to coordinate security assistance to Ukraine.

Ryder noted that the meeting underlined the continued international support for Ukraine in response to Russia’s aggression.

“The contact group continues to collectively influence international military support for Ukraine as they (Ukrainians – ed.) continue to defend themselves against Russia’s aggressive war. In total, this coalition has allocated more than $80 billion in security assistance to Ukraine. Efforts are currently focused on strengthening the capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force, artillery, maritime operations, landmines, air defence and information technology,”

– he said.

The Pentagon spokesman also stressed that the United States continues to coordinate the efforts of allies and partners to provide assistance to Ukraine. He noted that this amount of military assistance is critical for Ukraine in the ongoing war against Russian aggression.

“Obviously, the threat is real. And I think the fact that Russia continues to demonstrate its intention to fight against Ukraine, to occupy Ukraine and to destroy Ukraine as a country underlines the fact that this is a serious security threat that will not go away. So, the sooner we can continue to provide the level of support that we have, the better not only for Ukraine, but also for the international community,”

– patrick Ryder summed up.

Since the beginning of December, Washington has faced restrictions in providing military assistance to Ukraine at the same level as before. This is due to the fact that the Pentagon has used all the funds allocated by the US Congress to restore the US military stockpiles provided to Ukraine. New funding has not yet been approved.

The latest aid package to Ukraine, announced on 27 December, included $250 million in artillery, air defence systems and other weapons.

on 23 January, White House National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby stressed that given the current situation, the coming months would be crucial for Ukraine to continue its defence against Russian aggression.