US Defense Secretary to encourage Washington’s Allies to deliver air defense systems to Ukraine

WORLD, Jan. 07 (YPA) – US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin assured his Ukrainian counterpart Oleksii Reznikov that he will urge Washington’s allies and partners to transfer air defense and other weapons to Kiev.

Pentagon Spokesman Brig Gen Pat Ryder said the two ministers discussed in a phone conversation on Friday the allocation of more than $3 billion more by the United States to Ukraine.

According to the spokesman, Austin Secretary Austin reiterated his commitment to encouraging Allies and partners to make additional donations of air defense systems, combat vehicles, and other critical capabilities to support Ukraine in defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity for as long as it takes.

Ryder also said Austin on Friday discussed with German Federal Minister of Defence Christine Lambrecht ways to enhance security assistance to Ukraine ahead of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Ramstein, Germany, later this month.

He commended Germany’s decision to provide additional military capabilities to Ukraine, including one Patriot air defense battery and Marder infantry fighting vehicles.

E.M