The United States has pledged to move “Heaven and Earth” to assist Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s unprovoked invasion, as allies from 40 nations gathered at a US base in Germany to bolster Kyiv’s defense against Moscow.
The US-organized meeting at its Ramstein airbase in southwestern Germany aims “to assist Ukraine in winning the fight against Russia’s unjust invasion and to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses in preparation for future challenges,” defense secretary Lloyd Austin stated at the start of the talks.
“As we see this morning, nations from all over the world are united in our determination to stand up to Russia’s imperial aggression against Ukraine.
“Ukraine, like everyone else here, believes it can win,” he added.
The US is already the largest source of international military assistance to Ukraine, and Austin stated that Washington will “continue to move Heaven and Earth to meet” Kyiv’s needs.
German defense minister Christine Lambrecht stated during the talks that Berlin has agreed to approve the delivery of used Gepard anti-aircraft tanks to Ukraine.
The shift to heavy weapons deliveries marked a sea change from Germany’s timid support for Kyiv, which has earned Chancellor Olaf Scholz widespread criticism at home and abroad.
Lambrecht acknowledged that the Bundeswehr’s weapons inventory is limited, but added that the Bundeswehr will draw on the inventories of Germany’s armaments manufacturers.
“Ukraine issues orders and Germany pays for them,” she explained.
Kyiv has requested heavy artillery and tanks to fend off Russian forces attempting to seize complete control of the country’s vast southern plains and eastern Donbas region.
However, the Russian-made equipment in which Ukrainians were trained has become scarce.
Certain countries in eastern Europe that retained stocks sent them to Kyiv, sometimes in exchange for US equipment of a newer generation.
On Monday, Austin addressed a press conference at a Polish warehouse stacked high with tonnes of humanitarian and military aid ready to be loaded onto trucks bound for Ukraine.
Alongside the pallets of medical supplies and nappies were hundreds of Russian-made shells and rockets supplied by countries that prefer to remain anonymous regarding their involvement in arming Ukraine.
Seven vehicles towing howitzers with a range of 30 kilometers (18 miles) awaited transfer outside the warehouse. They were parked alongside hundreds of pallets of meticulously packed shells and other ammunition.
However, this is insufficient, and Washington, which initially restricted its deliveries to so-called “defensive” weapons, has begun to send heavy arms made in the United States, such as howitzer cannons and various armored vehicles.
The US is “engaging our colleagues in other countries to develop similar capabilities, and we are seeing early indications that… Numerous countries will contribute additional munitions and howitzers,” Austin stated.
France is providing Caesar cannons with a range of 40 kilometers (25 miles), while the United Kingdom is providing Starstreak anti-air missiles and tanks.
Additionally, the meeting will discuss how to ensure Ukraine’s long-term security following the war’s conclusion.
“Ukraine requires our assistance today and will continue to require assistance after the war is over,” Austin noted.
Tuesday’s meeting is not being held under the auspices of NATO, but members of the alliance, including Washington’s European allies, are expected to attend.
Additionally, countries further afield, such as Japan or Australia, are concerned that a Russian victory in Ukraine will set a precedent and bolster China’s territorial ambitions.
Finland and Sweden, both historically neutral countries that are considering joining NATO in the aftermath of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, are also participating.
