Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Delivers Opening Remarks at 25th Ukraine Defense Contact Group Meeting
On January 9, 2025, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III addressed the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) in Ramstein, Germany. The meeting brought together defense leaders from around the world to discuss continued support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.
Opening Remarks by Secretary Austin:
“Good morning. Distinguished ministers, chiefs of defense, and esteemed guests, it is an honor to welcome you all to the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. As we gather here today, Ukraine continues to face unprecedented challenges and continues to defend its sovereignty, freedom, and democratic values.
Together, we have made significant progress in supporting Ukraine’s defense. We have provided billions of dollars in military assistance, including weapons, ammunition, and training. We have helped coordinate the delivery of humanitarian aid, ensuring that the Ukrainian people have the resources they need to survive this conflict.
However, as we approach the one-year mark of Russia’s invasion, we know that the fight is far from over. Russia continues to wage a brutal and unprovoked war against Ukraine, targeting civilians, cities, and critical infrastructure.
We must continue to stand with Ukraine and do everything we can to support their defense. We must maintain our unwavering commitment to providing Ukraine with the military assistance it needs to defend itself and restore its territorial integrity.
Today, I want to focus on three key areas where we can continue to make a difference:
-
First, we must continue to provide Ukraine with the weapons and equipment it needs to defend itself. This includes air defense systems, artillery, ammunition, and armored vehicles. We must also continue to train Ukrainian forces to effectively use these weapons.
-
Second, we must strengthen Ukraine’s resilience by providing humanitarian aid and economic support. This aid is critical to helping the Ukrainian people survive this conflict and rebuild their lives. We must also continue to support Ukraine’s economic recovery by providing financial assistance and helping to open up new markets.
-
Third, we must continue to coordinate our efforts closely. The UDCG has been an invaluable forum for coordinating our support for Ukraine. We must continue to work together to ensure that Ukraine receives the assistance it needs, when it needs it.
I want to thank each and every one of you for your commitment to supporting Ukraine. Our unity and determination will be essential to Ukraine’s success in defending itself against Russia’s aggression.
Together, we can help Ukraine prevail and ensure a more secure and stable Europe.”
Opening Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the 25th Ukraine Defense Contact Group (As Delivered)
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
Defense.gov a new article on 2025-01-09 11:10 titled “Opening Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the 25th Ukraine Defense Contact Group (As Delivered)”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
28