IT, demining, aviation: Austin tells what areas ‘capability coalitions’ will cover for Ukraine

He said this at a press conference of the Minister of Defense and Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff

"We know that Russia is now planning another attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. However, Ukrainians are now even more determined to liberate their territories. That is why we will continue to provide them with the systems they need on the battlefield. In particular, we are talking about ground-based air defense systems. Because we know that these systems are saving the lives of hundreds of Ukrainian civilians," Austin said.

The Pentagon chief also noted that the United States, together with its partners, is working to strengthen the capacity of the Ukrainian Air Force.

"Today, as part of the Ramstein Group, we are organizing a capability coalition for Ukraine. This coalition will help secure Ukraine's future. In particular, Estonia and Luxembourg will lead the coalition that will support the Ukrainian IT sector, and Lithuania will help Ukraine demine Ukrainian territories. The United States will also lead a coalition of countries that will strengthen Ukraine's aviation capabilities. The United States, together with its partners, will work to strengthen the Ukrainian Air Force with F-16 fighters. I want to emphasize that Washington will join other coalitions that will be formed in the coming weeks," he added.

• On October 11, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Belgium to the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting. The President plans to hold a series of meetings.

• Also on October 11, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin announced a new $200 million military aid package for Ukraine during a meeting in the Ramstein format.