U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III called on allies to continue making efforts to strengthen Ukrainian air defense and assured of partners' determination to continue to support Ukraine.

"I've said it before, and I will say it again: air defense is saving lives. So I urge this group to continue to dig deep on ground-based air defense for Ukraine. We must continue to push hard to provide Ukraine with air-defense systems and interceptors," Austin said, opening the 15th Ramstein meeting of Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Germany.

The Pentagon Chief also stressed the importance of Ukraine now receiving the ammunition necessary to continue the fight, including 155 mm.

Separately, he noted the coalitions within the Contact Group, which "further fortify Ukraine's ability to outlast Russia's aggression."

"I'm grateful to many friends here today – Including Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Poland – for stepping up to lead coalitions. These coalitions are tackling specific capabilities, such as Leopard tanks, F-16 training, and Information Technology. And we'll hear updates on their work later today. And I’m proud to announce that the United States is supplementing the F-16 training coalition with U.S.-based training," Austin said.

The Minister of Defense assured that Ukraine's partners and allies in the Contact Group will remain united and firm in their determination to defend Ukraine.