We are preparing for any further Russian aggression, including aggression against our partners - Austin at Ramstein opening ceremony

He said this at the meeting, which was broadcast on Espreso.

"We know the burden our Ukrainian friends are carrying, and you should know that we are with you. We support you and we will not waver in our commitment. This week, Congress passed a $60.8 billion aid package for Ukraine, which has already been signed by the US President. We will continue to meet the current needs. So today I am not only proud, but also determined. After all, Putin thought that he would quickly march through Ukraine and take it over, but Ukraine has shown that it is ready to fight for democracy. Putin hoped that the world would not intervene, would only watch, and he was wrong, he did not count on a worthy response from Ukraine," Lloyd Austin said.

According to him, for two years, 50 countries around the world have gathered and mobilised at the level of defence ministers to understand what they can provide to Ukraine.

"Thanks to our efforts, we have changed the course of history. Over the past two years, the members of this coalition have provided Ukraine with thousands of missiles, more than 3,000 armoured vehicles, tanks, tens of thousands of shells and more. In addition, active training of F-16 pilots is already underway. This contact group will continue to step up its efforts to provide Ukraine with what it needs. I am confident that Ukraine will succeed on the battlefield. Russia continues its attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure, including cities, where people are dying. That is why we will focus today on strengthening Ukraine's air defence systems so that Ukraine can protect its skies. This is our top priority today. There is also a need for more artillery systems so that Ukraine can recapture the occupied lands," the US Secretary of Defence stressed.

The Pentagon chief assured that the partners will do everything in their power to help Ukraine.

"Ukraine's fight for freedom and sovereignty is important to all of us. Ukraine has not bent under Putin's boot. Therefore, today we are preparing for any further Russian aggression, including aggression against our partners. Ukraine has shown the whole world how dangerous and chaotic the world would be if autocrats took their place and got what they wanted. Two years ago, I said that we would continue to help strengthen the arsenal of Ukrainian democracy. And we will do so today," Austin concluded.

• On April 22, Dutch Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren said that the next meeting of the Contact Group on Defence of Ukraine would be held on Friday, April 26