DOD, UDCG Continue to Look for Better Ways to Expedite Support to Ukraine

Secretary of Protection Lloyd J. Austin III immediately spoke with Ukrainian Protection Minister Rustem Umerov to debate ongoing conflict efforts in Ukraine and particulars of the subsequent assembly of the Ukraine Protection Contact Group in September.

“Throughout their name, Minister Umerov offered an replace on the influence of Russia’s continued assaults in Ukraine,” Pentagon Press Secretary Air Pressure Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stated throughout a briefing immediately. “Secretary Austin and the minister additionally mentioned the subsequent Ukraine Protection Contact Group assembly, which will probably be held subsequent month in help of Ukraine’s pressing safety help necessities.” 

The UDCG, spearheaded by Austin, met for the primary time in Germany in April 2022 and meets month-to-month. The group is a manner for the greater than 50 taking part nations to coordinate their help to Ukraine and deal with Ukraine’s future protection wants. 

In addition to coordinating efforts to get much-needed army provides to Ukraine, the UDCG additionally explores higher methods to expedite the supply of these supplies. 

“We’re all the time ways in which we are able to expedite supply of capabilities to the Ukrainians,” Ryder stated. “The Ukraine Protection Contact Group supplies a wonderful discussion board through which to have discussions to take a look at processes [and] procedures as [they relate] to making sure that the Ukrainians have what they want on the battlefield to defend themselves.” 

Ryder stated the U.S. has emphasised speedy supply of programs to Ukraine from the beginning. In November 2022, for example, the U.S. stood up the Safety Help Group-Ukraine in Wiesbaden, Germany, to higher coordinate coaching and equipping Ukrainian forces, and to assist enhance their situational consciousness.

With greater than 50 nations taking part within the UDCG, Ryder stated, supporting Ukraine is a posh effort — one the DOD will proceed to uphold.  

“That’s work that’s continuously ongoing,” he stated. “As evidenced by the truth that you proceed to see Russian forces conducting offensive motion within the east of Ukraine, we additionally acknowledge the very important significance of transferring as shortly as attainable, so we’ll keep after it.”