US Defense Secretary promises to help Ukraine in spring counteroffensive 

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that Western allies are going to make a greater effort to help Ukraine liberate its territories more effectively

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.