US Defense Secretary promises to help Ukraine in spring counteroffensive 

He stated this during a briefing before the Ramstein meeting.

"Ukraine has shown that it has every chance of defeating the aggressor. Now more and more countries are joining in helping the Ukrainian people to defend their territory, sovereignty and freedom. Today, the allies present at the Ramstein meeting once again prove that all the countries of the world continue to build up efforts and consider new solutions," Austin said.

The US Secretary of Defense emphasized that Ukraine should receive the promised military aid quickly.

"Together, the contact group declares that we will continue to support Ukraine. We will help Ukraine to launch a counteroffensive in spring. Our unity and immediate response will help the Ukrainians to liberate their own territories. We will do everything possible to ensure that Ukraine quickly receives the promised means to do it. We also do and will help the Armed Forces of Ukraine in training to make them more effective," he added.

• On February 12, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov talk on the phone about air defense and artillery for the AFU 

• On February 13, Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov stated that the issue of the supply of combat aircraft to Ukraine will be on the ninth Ramstein meeting agenda.