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Jan. 19 (UPI) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is assembly with newly sworn-in German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in Berlin Thursday forward of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group assembly Friday at Ramstein Air Base.
The focus of those conferences is to verify Ukraine has the weapons and assist it must defend itself towards an anticipated renewed Russian offensive within the spring, the U.S. Department of Defense stated in a information launch. That consists of “unlocking” Germany’s choice to approve sending Leopard 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine.
Poland and Finland have stated they’re keen to offer Leopard tanks to Ukraine, however Germany’s approval is required first.
In a short look with Pistorious Thursday, Austin stated the main focus of his journey is to resume the U.S., NATO and European assist for Ukraine.
“We will renew our united commitment to support Ukraine’s self-defense for the long haul,” Austin said. “So at our meeting today we’ll discuss some of the issues that we will tackle tomorrow at the Contact Group together with our friends. We’ll also discuss other key issues for NATO and for our bilateral defense relationship and ways that we can do even more together.”
Austin expressed his deep sorrow over the helicopter crash in Kyiv Wednesday that killed greater than a dozen individuals, together with Ukrainian Interior Minister Denis Monastirsky.
He thanked Germany for working intently with the United States and different allies in assist of Ukraine, telling Pistorius Germany’s contributions of safety help and coaching for Ukraine’s defenders have been invaluable.
“Throughout the crisis caused by Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, Germany has remained a true friend of the United States and a staunch defender of our allies and values,” Austin stated. “So we will continue to support the Ukrainian people as they resist Russian aggression and defend their sovereign territory.”
One of the important thing points being addressed throughout the Defense Contact Group assembly might be how one can rapidly ship armored personnel carriers, combating autos and tanks to Ukraine.
The newest American defense aid package for Ukraine consists of 100 M113 armored personnel carriers, 50 Bradley combating autos, 55 mine-resistant ambush protected autos and 138 high-mobility multipurpose wheeled autos together with many different navy provides.
France is sending AMX-10 mild tanks to Ukraine whereas Britain will present Challenger tanks. All instructed, U.S. allies and companions have offered about 900 armored personnel carriers to Ukraine, in line with the Department of Defense.
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