Ramstein Summit: US Urges Increased Support for Ukraine Amidst New Russian Offensive

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin delivers opening remarks at the 22nd Ramstein summit of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) on May 20, which is held in a virtual format. Lloyd Austin highlighted the significance of Western support for Ukraine in light of the recent Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region.

With participation from defense ministers and officials representing nearly 50 nations, the summit aims to sustain coordination of military assistance for Ukraine.

US Secretary of Defense characterized the ongoing defense against the fresh Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region as a “hard and dangerous fight.” He added that it “just underscores the importance” of the summit.

The new wave of Russia’s offensive actions began on May 10 in the northern Kharkiv region. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Russian forces had made advances of up to 10 kilometers in the region before encountering resistance from Ukraine’s initial defensive line.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said that the U.S. has “already delivered many of Ukraine’s top priority requirements, and much more assistance is on the way,” adding “Air defense will be high on our agenda today.” In particular, ammunition for the NASAMS and Patriot air defense systems, HIMARS systems, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, and Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank systems.

The Secretary stressed the importance of the following weeks and months and urged Ukraine’s Western allies to increase their support.