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Ukraine has continued to shoot down drones launched by Russian forces, which have also carried out artillery attacks to bombard areas of the border regions. Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin vowed on Tuesday that the United States will continue to support Ukraine's efforts in the war against Russia, although the US Congress continues to not approve funding for the delivery of new weapons.
The message from the US Secretary of Defense was addressed to the leaders of more than 50 countries from Europe and around the world, who have gathered at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
"The United States will not abandon Ukraine. This coalition will not allow Ukraine to fail. And the free world will not let Ukraine fail," he said.
Secretary Austin warned on Tuesday that Russian aggression will not stop with Ukraine.
"Ladies and gentlemen, let's not lie to ourselves: Putin will not stop in Ukraine. But as President Biden has said, Ukraine can stop Putin if we support Ukraine and give it the weapons it needs to defend itself. The survival of Ukraine and all of our security is at stake," said Secretary Austin.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has continued to shoot down the drones sent by the Russian forces, which have also attacked with artillery, leaving behind entire destroyed areas in the border regions, such as the Sumy region.
The meeting in Germany comes just a week after US defense officials managed to raise $300 million from cost-cutting contracts to fund the next round of aid to Ukraine, pulling weaponry from the Pentagon's current stockpile.
This was the first arms shipment since December, although conditions on the battlefield in Ukraine have become increasingly difficult.
"Together, the contact group will step up efforts to provide vital aid to Ukraine. The Czech Republic recently offered 800,000 much-needed artillery shells. Germany, France, Denmark and Sweden have recently announced significant new military aid. These are investments for Ukraine's just fight against Russian aggression. And these are investments for our common security, for European security and global security," said Secretary Austin.
The US Congress has been deadlocked on the issue for months, although a $95 billion budget proposal has been submitted, of which $60 billion is proposed as aid to Ukraine.
US officials say there is enough bipartisan support to pass the proposal, but a number of Republicans oppose it and House Speaker Mike Johnson refuses to put it on the voting calendar. / VOA
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