At the conclusion of the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III challenged group members to maintain the level of support for Ukraine they have built over the past three years. Austin, who spearheaded the development of the group in April 2022, asked the nearly 50 member nations who provide support to Ukraine in its fight against Russia to continue their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty. He emphasized the importance of not faltering in their support, as Ukraine’s survival is crucial for global security.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, many nations have stepped up to provide support by delivering weapons and munitions. However, Austin recognized that in order for Ukraine to succeed in preserving its sovereignty, this support must be coordinated. The Ukraine Defense Contact Group was established to provide a common cause for some 50 countries coordinating closely with Ukraine to send vital, consistent, and cutting-edge security assistance. This collaboration has helped turn Ukraine’s struggle into a military success story and has equipped Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression.
With the support of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Ukraine has received the weapons and supplies needed to defend itself from continued Russian aggression. As a result, Ukraine now flies fourth-generation fighter jets, fields advanced Western air defense capabilities, and operates state-of-the-art unmanned systems. This has positioned Ukraine to defeat Russian aggression today and deter it in the future. The UDCG members have contributed over $126 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, including tanks, air defense systems, combat vehicles, munitions, F-16 aircraft, and pilot training.
At his last meeting with the group he created, Austin highlighted the accomplishments of the UDCG but also acknowledged that Russia still remains in Ukraine, and the work is not yet concluded. He emphasized the importance of the group’s creation in reflecting a galvanized world and addressing Russia’s reckless and lawless behavior. Austin expressed pride in the UDCG’s efforts to uphold security and freedom, stressing the need for free people to reject a world of force and fear in favor of an open order of rules and rights. The UDCG’s structure is built to succeed, adapt, and endure in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and global security.
