Ramstein group members committed $98B in security aid to Ukraine - Austin

Member countries of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) have already committed more than $98 billion in security assistance to Ukraine.

According to an Ukrinform correspondent, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said this while opening the 23rd meeting of the UDCG in Brussels on Thursday.

"I am proud that this Contact Group has committed more than $98 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since February 2022. And this coalition continues to find innovative and sustainable ways to rush in critical capabilities to meet Ukraine's most pressing needs," he said.

Austin said he was grateful to Sweden for announcing its largest military assistance package yet, worth about $1.23 billion, which includes two airborne surveillance and control aircraft, "which will be critical for Ukraine's long-range air surveillance."

"I am also grateful to our host, Belgium, which has committed to deliver 30 F-16 fighters to Ukraine by 2028, as well as an additional $1 billion in military aid this year. And I would like to thank Spain for its recent pledge of more air defense missiles," he added.

He also said that the United States continues to provide much-needed security assistance to Ukraine.