Ukraine Defence Contact Group: Defence ministers confirm their willingness to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia's aggression in virtual meeting
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- Date: 23.05.2022
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Building on the 26 April outcomes of the multilateral talks on support for Ukraine at Germany's Ramstein Air Base, the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) convened in Ministers of Defence format in a virtual meeting today (23 May 2022). After an update and an assessment of Russia's offensive and Ukraine's defences, defence ministers focused on how best to help Ukraine over the short-, medium- and long-term future.
Speaking at the UDCG meeting, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď provided an update to the defence ministers on the volume and content of military and humanitarian aid Slovakia has delivered to Ukraine so far, saying: “We remain committed to supporting Ukraine in its heroic fight – in its defence against Russia. Our aid has always reflected the requirements of Ukraine and, of course, our capacity to accommodate them so as to not endanger Slovakiaʼs defence capability. This format enables us to lead an effective dialogue and seek solutions.”
The defence ministers identified the current military needs of Ukraine and looked at the alternatives to deliver them. In this respect, the head of the SVK MOD offered to make our Soviet-era equipment available to Ukraine in the long run, once replacement for such equipment is secured, ensuring that our military assistance has no negative impact on Slovakia's defences. He went on to praise allied cooperation in getting military assistance packages to Ukraine and underlined the importance of information and operational security during the aid delivery operations.
The so-called Ukraine Defence Contact Group was set up as defence ministers and senior military officials from over 40 countries met to discuss support for Ukraine at Ramstein Air Base on 26 April 2022, at the invitation of U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. The intent is to hold regular consultations on a monthly basis.
Speaking at the UDCG meeting, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď provided an update to the defence ministers on the volume and content of military and humanitarian aid Slovakia has delivered to Ukraine so far, saying: “We remain committed to supporting Ukraine in its heroic fight – in its defence against Russia. Our aid has always reflected the requirements of Ukraine and, of course, our capacity to accommodate them so as to not endanger Slovakiaʼs defence capability. This format enables us to lead an effective dialogue and seek solutions.”
The defence ministers identified the current military needs of Ukraine and looked at the alternatives to deliver them. In this respect, the head of the SVK MOD offered to make our Soviet-era equipment available to Ukraine in the long run, once replacement for such equipment is secured, ensuring that our military assistance has no negative impact on Slovakia's defences. He went on to praise allied cooperation in getting military assistance packages to Ukraine and underlined the importance of information and operational security during the aid delivery operations.
The so-called Ukraine Defence Contact Group was set up as defence ministers and senior military officials from over 40 countries met to discuss support for Ukraine at Ramstein Air Base on 26 April 2022, at the invitation of U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. The intent is to hold regular consultations on a monthly basis.
