Missile defense coalition announced, U.S. affirms unwavering support at latest Ramstein meeting

“It is crucial that yesterday our key partner, the United States, namely Defense Minister Lloyd Austin, effectively dispelled any speculation about the U.S. supposedly having to choose between Israel and Ukraine,” he said.

During online negotiations, “a very clear statement was made twice that there can be no choice,” Pavlyuk noted.

“The U.S. stands by Israel, but at the same time is fully committed to all its obligations to support Ukraine,” he added.

Private statements indicated not only deep support but also an excellent understanding by partners of why they support Ukraine. There is an understanding that this support is needed not only for Ukraine but also for the civilized world and their countries as well, Pavlyuk said.

The defense department heads of over 50 countries participated in the 17^th meeting of the Contact Group on Defense Issues within the Ramstein format, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry reported on Nov. 22.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, before the start of Ramstein, emphasized that the United States, together with its allies, will continue to support Ukraine.

A coalition for the development of missile defense in Ukraine was formed at the 17^th meeting of the Contact Group, with Germany and France leading the effort, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced.

In October, the White House requested nearly $106 billion from the U.S. Congress for Ukraine, Israel, and other priority areas. However, Congress split the project into two packages.

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that the U.S. has sufficient capabilities to simultaneously support Ukraine in the war against Russia and Israel in the war against Hamas.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Nov. 15 to support a bill for the extension of temporary government funding to prevent a possible “shutdown” without additional aid to Israel or Ukraine.

It was revealed on Nov. 19 that the U.S. Congress will vote on a $61 billion support package for Ukraine only in conjunction with measures to strengthen the U.S.-Mexican border. The bill could be approved by Christmas.