Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his American counterpart Lloyd Austin reaffirmed their determination to continue supporting Ukraine, after the end of the meeting “Rammstein Shape”, of the defense ministers of the countries that support Ukraine, at the homonymous American air base in Germany. Defense Minister Nikos Dendias also participated in the meeting.

“The US and the free world will not allow Ukraine to fail“, said Mr. Austin, also addressing the Ukrainian Minister of Defense Rusten Umerov, while Mr. Pistorius announced a new package of military support for the Ukrainian armed forces of 500 million euros, which includes the shipment of ammunition and armored infantry vehicles.

The head of the Pentagon also emphasized from his side that spending on the defense of Ukraine is “investment in our common security” and added: “Let’s not kid ourselves. Putin will not compromise with Ukraine. But Ukraine can stop Putin if we stand by it and give it the weapons it needs to defend itself“, referring to the recent relevant statement of US President Joe Biden. The survival of Ukraine “is at risk and the safety of all of us is at risk“, Lloyd Austin said and assured that Ukraine will be supported by its partners in order to create its future army, for its long-term security, while he also spoke about the prospect of cooperation between more countries in the development of weapons systems.

Referring to the losses of Russian forces in Ukraine so far, Lloyd Austin spoke of 315,000 soldiers who have lost their lives since the beginning of the war, pointing out that “Russia has paid a high price for Putin’s imperialist dreams».