WASHINGTON (TDI): U.S. and Ukrainian defense officials discussed Russia’s recent use of new ballistic missiles, upcoming arms donor meetings, and military aid plans for 2025.
The talks coincided with the U.S. announcement of a $725 million military aid package to Ukraine, which includes missiles, ammunition, anti-personnel mines, and other weaponry, aimed at supporting Kyiv as President Joe Biden’s administration nears its end.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin condemned Russia’s recent missile and drone strikes targeting Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, as well as its use of an Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) against Ukraine, a move he described as a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
In late November, Russia launched a hypersonic IRBM at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, following U.S. and U.K. support for Ukraine’s ability to strike Russian territory with advanced Western weapons.
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Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov shared that the discussions also focused on strategic planning for 2025, including the supply of weapons, equipment, and the outfitting of Ukrainian military units.
With President-elect Donald Trump set to take office on January 20, Kyiv is concerned about potential reductions in U.S. military support, as the country remains heavily reliant on Washington’s aid in its fight against Russia.
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Umerov also mentioned that he and Austin talked about preparations for the upcoming Ramstein Group meeting, an alliance of NATO, the European Union, and countries supporting Ukraine.
While Umerov did not specify the meeting date, Ukrainian media, including European Pravda, reported it could take place in December, likely to be the last meeting before Trump’s inauguration.
