US defence secretary calls for new coalitions to support Ukraine

S Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has called on member countries of the Ramstein Defense Contact Group for Ukraine to organize new coalitions focused on broader capabilities to support Ukraine.

Austin made the remarks at the Ramstein meeting in Brussels, Caliber.Az reports this with reference to a statement by the US Department of Defense.

The next step forward, the Pentagon chief said, “will be working with our fellow Contact Group members to organize what we're calling ‘capability coalitions.’” 

The US official explained that they would be responsible for “coordinating the contributions” of coalition members for each major capability area.

“We have already organized highly effective coalitions focused on Leopard tanks and F-16 training, which have marshalled resources from multiple countries. But now, we're taking this concept a bit further," Austin said.

Thus, the US calls on states to organize coalitions focused “on wider capabilities, beyond just specific platforms.”

“Just as this Contact Group surged capabilities to support Ukraine's immediate needs, we will also organize ourselves to coordinate our investments in Ukraine's future force," he added.