Reznikov on results of Ramstein: I am sure we will have 'Bird Coalition'
On June 15, Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov attended a meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense in the Ramstein format: very important news about the Bird Coalition was announced
This is reported by Interfax-Ukraine.
Reznikov said he was satisfied with the results of today's meeting.
“Yes, definitely (satisfied - ed.), because today I also heard very important news about the so-called Bird Coalition,” he answered journalists' questions about his impressions of today's Ramstein.
The minister said that he had received assurances from his partners that they would start training Ukrainian pilots and intend to build a joint coalition. Reznikov said that the 'fighter jet consortium' will start with the Netherlands and Denmark, and then other countries will join them.
“It will start with F-16s with the Netherlands and Denmark, which will be joined by other countries. And we also heard good news from our Swedish partners that we will be able to test, just test their capabilities,” the minister said.
He expressed confidence that the 'Bird Coalition' would join the existing communities.
“Therefore, I am absolutely sure that we will have a Bird Coalition for the Ukrainian Armed Forces,” the minister added.
In addition, Reznikov said that the defense ministers of Luxembourg and Estonia supported the initiative of the Ukrainian defense minister to create a so-called IT coalition. He did not say what exactly would be included in this type of cooperation.
“At today's meeting, my colleagues François Bausch and Hanno Pevkur supported my idea of creating an “IT coalition” within the Ramstein framework. They are ready to take a leadership role in creating this group. So, another coalition to ensure Ukraine’s victory is on the horizon. This is sure to evolve into something exciting, so stay tuned!” Reznikov tweeted.
The minister also met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to discuss joint projects that will strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities.
“I had a very productive meeting with Jens Stoltenberg. We discussed projects that will facilitate our cooperation and bring practical results in strengthening our defense and security,” Reznikov said.
What is known about the Ramstein format meeting
Ramstein is a series of diplomatic meetings of defense ministers from several dozen countries to synchronize and accelerate the provision of military weapons to Ukraine to counter a full-scale Russian invasion and to discuss support for Ukraine after the war.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, 12 meetings have already taken place. At the last one, on May 25, the search for additional air defense systems for Kyiv, training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets, and the creation of a new Leopard tank maintenance center were discussed. The participating countries also devoted time to strengthening Ukraine's defense, including the supply of 155 mm caliber shells, air defense systems, radars, and other ammunition.
The coalition to train the Ukrainian Armed Forces on F-16s would be led by Denmark and the Netherlands. In total, the list of countries that have offered to train Ukrainian pilots includes: Great Britain, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, and Poland.
On June 12, Ukraine's Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov revealed what would be discussed at the 13th Ramstein meeting. The priority is to discuss the 'aircraft coalition' and the training of pilots, technicians, and engineers.
On June 15, Reznikov arrived at a meeting of the Ramstein-13 Contact Group on Ukraine's defense and met with Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin.
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