Reznikov names key issues to be discussed at Ramstein meeting of Ukraine’s military allies
Oleksii Reznikov (Photo:REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi)
Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov has announced on his Facebook page the key points that will be on the agenda of the next Ramstein meeting of Ukraine's military allies, which is to be held on Feb. 14.
"I have left for another meeting in the Ramstein format,” Reznikov wrote.
“I’m honoured to head for the ninth time a joint team of Defence Ministry, military intelligence, General Staff and our diplomats, which is working closely with our partner nations for the next several days."
Reznikov said that the pace of work with Ukraine’s allies is extremely fast, and the main issues on the agenda are the following:
- protection of Ukrainian skies, in particular with the help of an aviation platform;
- expanding of "tank coalition";
- ensuring there is a safety margin for ammunition stocks;
- training for Ukrainian soldiers;
- stability of support, in particular logistics, maintenance, repair, and actual realization of the "Military Schengen."
"I’ve held talks with some partners beforehand. Their involvement and support give cause for optimism," the minister wrote.
The ninth Ramstein meeting on the issue of Ukrainian defense is to be held at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium on Feb. 14.
Also, a meeting of the North Atlantic Council (NAC) at the level of Defence Ministers will take place on Feb. 14-15 at NATO Headquarters. It will be headed by the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
The previous Ramstein meeting was held on Jan. 20, at which was decided to provide Ukraine with the following weapons:
- Air defense systems from France, Germany and the UK, including a Patriot air defense system battery;
- Patriot missiles and launchers, as well as the relevant training in using them in the Netherlands;
- A NASAMS air defense system and missiles purchased by Canada;
- Challenger 2 tanks from the UK;
- CV90 infantry fighting vehicles and Archer self-propelled artillery systems from Sweden;
- 19 howitzers from Denmark;
- more helicopters, Stinger MANPADS and other equipment from Latvia;
- a large aid package from Estonia.
Besides, the U.S. will provide Ukraine with the following:
- 59 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles;
- 90 Stryker armored personnel carriers;
- 53 mine-resistant armored vehicles (MRAPs);
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