Ukraine allies pledge continued support despite US minister's absence
The talks, once led by the United States, are chaired by German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and UK Defence Secretary John Healey and aim to coordinate and raise further military support for Kiev.
The format, also dubbed the Ramstein Group, comprises around 50 countries and was initiated by former US secretary of defense Lloyd Austin to help Ukraine defend itself from a full-scale Russian attack.
Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced a new support package for maritime security worth €400 million ($457 million).
The package will include over 100 vessels, like patrol boats, transport boats, interceptors, special operations craft, over 50 sea drones, weapon systems, reserve parts and training, Brekelmans said.
Ukraine's European allies are under increased pressure to step up aid to Ukraine after Washington suspended US military aid to Kiev and put its commitment to safeguarding Europe into question.
Hegseth did not attend the meeting in Brussels, after Washington had previously made clear that it no longer wants to lead the pledging meetings.
Instead, it aims to push Kiev and Moscow towards reaching a ceasefire agreement as quickly as possible. Other countries fear that such an agreement could come at Ukraine's expense.
Pistorius said that so far there was no indication that Washington's decision to suspend military aid to Ukraine was final.
"But the Europeans are ready, and Germany is ready to take responsibility," he stressed.
"What we can compensate for remains to be seen. But we are making it very clear that we are determined not to leave Ukraine alone and to do what is necessary and possible to support Ukraine in its defence," Pistorius said.
"The important thing is that we remain in discussion, and that's what we're doing," Pistorius said of Hegseth's absence.
Brekelmans also suggested that the US position on military aid for Ukraine might change in the near future.
"We see that Russia and [Russian President Vladimir] Putin are not willing to truly negotiate. And I think the United States is also starting to realize that," he said.
For the time being, Ukraine's allies should increase pressure on Russia and keep supporting Ukraine, Brekelmans said.
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