Ukraine's Minister of Defence Oleksiy Reznikov elaborated on yesterday's meeting of the defence bodies' heads in a format started on 26 April at the American airbase Ramstein in Germany. The number of countries joining the initiative has expanded. Antarctica is the only continent that wasn't represented.
Reznikov and his colleagues informed the partners of the situation on the frontline and the changes that had happened since the last meeting. Namely, they pointed out the progress in supplying 155 mm artillery and outlined the defenders' priority needs, Reznikov wrote on Facebook.
"If on the first meeting the keywords were "timing" and "transition", this time one more word "coordination" was added. We will focus our efforts on making sure that international support has maximum effect. I expressed sincere gratitude for helping our state to many colleagues, particularly, to my friend and a big friend of Ukraine – the Secretary of State for Defence of Great Britain Ben Wallace," – Reznikov emphasized.
The minister added that in the meeting the countries announced new ways of support that can become game-changing in this war.
"At the next meeting in June, I expect to be able to report to my colleagues on the results of using the weapons that were discussed at the meeting on 23 May. Among other things, we have already received confirmation of our coastal defence enhancement. Particularly, we're talking about launchers and anti-ship missiles "Harpoon". The decision was found due to joining the efforts of some of our partner countries. Also, there was discussion of other pleasant surprises that will enhance the power of the Ukrainian army and will be annoying for the enemy. But more on this – later," – he promised.
Reznikov thanked his Polish colleague Mariusz Błaszczak, Canada's Minister of Defence Anita Anand, and Denmark's Minister of Defence Morten Bødskov. He also mentioned Dutch Minister Kajsa Ollongren and Norwegian colleague Bjørn Arild Gram.
"There are not enough words to fully express our gratitude to our Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian friends – Arvydas Anušauskas, Artis Pabriks, and Kalle Laanet. The Ukrainian nation is deeply grateful to them. I thank the colleagues from Australia and France and hope to continue cooperation with new teams. I'm grateful to the minister Jana Černochová from the Czech Republic and minister Jaroslav Naď from Slovakia. Last week I held a meaningful talk with German federal minister Christine Lambrecht, during which, among other things, discussed anti-aircraft armored fighting vehicles "Gepard". I'm grateful for everything Germany started doing for Ukraine," – Minister added.
Reznikov also added that it's the US' stellar leadership already embodied in the lend-lease law and the scale of assistance that causes particular optimism.
"All the meeting participants expressed their unwavering support for Ukraine in the war against russia and their admiration for the heroism and professionalism of our Armed Forces, the endurance of all the Ukrainian people. Ukraine will definitely win!" – the Defence Minister summed up.
Denmark has agreed to provide Ukraine with Harpoon launchers and missiles for them to help Ukrainians to defend their coast. Columbia, which joined the ministers' meeting yesterday, declared today that it will train our fighters in a NATO state. Columbian experts will teach them to demine.