The U.S.-led Ukraine Defense Liaison Group is launching two new initiatives aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s armor and drone capabilities, a senior Pentagon official announced today.
The formation of two new capability coalitions builds on continued efforts by a coalition of nearly 50 partner countries to build a future Ukrainian military capable of deterring Russian aggression in the long term.
In a press briefing after the 18th UDCG meeting, Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Celeste Wallander announced that Germany and Latvia will co-lead the newly formed Armored and Unmanned Capabilities Coalition.
“These important collaborations will build on the extensive work we have already done in contact groups,” Wallander said. “They will maintain and deepen security assistance in the coming years and work closely with Ukraine to create a strong fighting force capable of defending and deterring future Moscow threats.”
After the 16th UDCG meeting held in October, partner countries announced a model for forming several different coalitions focused on specific capabilities.
The armored and unmanned aircraft capability coalition announced today is in addition to previously announced capability coalitions focused on Ukraine’s air force, artillery, maritime security, ground air defense, demining and information technology capabilities. .
Together, the United States and France are leading efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s artillery capabilities. The United States also co-leads the Air Force Capabilities Coalition with Denmark and France, and is particularly active in the Air Defense Capabilities Coalition led by Germany and France.
Mr. Wallander highlighted the group of allies’ continued efforts to help Ukraine counter Russian aggression.
“Ukrainians are not asking us to fight for them,” she said. “All they want is the means to defend their country. So in 2024, we must continue to give them what they need to fight for freedom. And our allies and partners have great determination and drive. It shows.”
Wallander noted that the countries that make up the UDCG have pledged more than $80 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
“It’s a testament to our unity and dedication,” she said. “And today, we continue to hear from our allies about additional immediate assistance to support Ukrainian forces on the battlefield.”
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin convened a virtual meeting of the UDCG earlier today and emphasized the United States’ commitment to working with allies in support of Ukraine.
Austin praised the continued support of Ukraine’s allies and urged the international community to remain vigilant as the war enters its third year.
“Let me be clear: Our support for Ukraine’s fight makes all countries safer,” Austin said as he began the virtual meeting from Washington. “If we lose our nerve, cower, and fail to deter other invaders, we will only lead to more bloodshed and more chaos.
“A sovereign and secure Ukraine is critical to global security,” he said. “And we must not waver in our support for Ukraine.”
In December, the United States announced the 54th Security Assistance Package for Ukraine worth up to $250 million, including air defense capabilities, artillery, anti-tank weapons, and other equipment.
The announcement comes amid negotiations on Capitol Hill over President Joe Biden’s additional request to Congress to continue critical funding for military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
As these negotiations continue, the approximately 50-nation U.S.-led coalition that makes up the Ukraine Defense Contact Group remains committed to meeting Ukraine’s immediate battlefield needs and supporting its long-term security.
Mr. Austin praised recent announcements by Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom to send military aid packages totaling billions of dollars to Ukraine since the last contact group meeting.
But he warned that as fighting continues through the winter, Russia will seek to demoralize Ukraine’s defenders as they continue to fight for sovereignty.
“President Putin continues to sacrifice staggering numbers of Russian troops in reckless and reckless wars of his own choosing,” Austin said. “And President Putin wants missiles and drones to demoralize the Ukrainian people and break the will of the Ukrainian military.
“Therefore, I urge this group to dig deep to provide Ukraine with more life-saving ground-based air defense systems and interceptors.”
