Ukraine allies pledge continued support
dpa
Brussels
Defence ministers from the Ukraine Defence Contact Group pledged further support for Ukraine on Wednesday despite the absence of US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth from the meeting.
The talks, once led by the United States, are chaired by German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and UK Defence Secretary John Healey and aim to coordinate and raise further military support for Kiev.
The format, also dubbed the Ramstein Group, comprises around 50 countries and was initiated by former US secretary of defense Lloyd Austin to help Ukraine defend itself from a full-scale Russian attack. Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced a new support package for maritime security worth €400 million ($457 million).
The package will include over 100 vessels, like patrol boats, transport boats, interceptors, special operations craft, over 50 sea drones, weapon systems, reserve parts and training, Brekelmans said.
Ukraine's European allies are under increased pressure to step up aid after Washington suspended US military aid to Kiev and put its commitment to safeguarding Europe into question. Hegseth did not attend the meeting, after Washington had previously made clear that it no longer wants to lead the pledging meetings.
Pistorius said that so far there was no indication that Washington's decision to suspend military aid to Ukraine was final.
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