US Defense Secretary: Allied Countries Should Provide More Air Defense Systems to Ukraine

Lloyd Austin, the US Secretary of Defense, on Tuesday, September 19, urged his counterparts in allied countries to provide more air defense systems to Ukraine to help the country fend off Russian missile attacks. According to the Associated Press, Mr. Austin made this statement at the start of the 'Ukraine Defense Contact Group' meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, saying, 'Air defense saves lives. Therefore, I urge this group to continue all efforts for Ukraine's air defense. We must steadfastly continue our efforts to provide air defense systems and interceptors to Ukraine.' The Ukraine Defense Contact Group, composed of defense and military leaders from over 50 countries, serves as a primary forum for gathering military aid, other equipment, and training for Kyiv's war efforts. This group meets once a month, both in person and virtually, with this being their fifteenth meeting. The Associated Press noted that while US allies have stated they will discuss how best to assist Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russia, their commitment to sending long-range missiles, which Kyiv's leaders emphasize the necessity of receiving, seems uncertain. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other leaders have repeatedly insisted on the need for long-range weapons. Proponents argue that Ukrainian forces must be able to strike Russian troops and facilities while remaining out of range. However, the United States continues to oppose this, fearing that Kyiv's attacks using these long-range weapons deep into Russian territory could provoke Moscow. The tactical missile system, known as ATACMS, could enable Ukraine to strike Russian targets from a distance of 300 kilometers.