Austin explained the refusal to provide Ukraine with ATACMS for long-range missile strikes on the Russian Federation.

The US Secretary of Defense comments on the issue of providing Ukraine with ATACMS missiles

Lloyd Austin, US Secretary of Defense, expressed his opinion on providing Ukraine with ATACMS missiles for strikes on Russian targets at long distances. He noted that Russia has already moved its aircraft beyond the range of these missiles.

"Ukraine already has significant own capabilities to attack targets that go beyond the capabilities of ATACMS or Storm Shadow. The Russians have moved their aircraft used for KAB strikes beyond the range of ATACMS. We are focused on helping Ukraine be more effective in defending its territory", – said Austin after the "Ramstein" meeting.

The US continues to support Ukraine

The head of the Pentagon emphasized that no single weapon can determine the course of the war, and the US will continue to comprehensively support Ukraine in achieving success on the battlefield.

Austin also expressed the opinion that the conflict will eventually be resolved at the negotiating table, although the exact timing cannot be predicted. According to him, the war can quickly end if Putin decides to withdraw troops from the occupied territories of Ukraine.

Cooperation for the protection of Ukraine

General Charles Brown, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, reported close cooperation with Ukraine to protect the Pokrovsk direction and other sections of the front.

New military aid package for Ukraine

The US announced a new military aid package for Ukraine worth 250 million dollars, which includes air defense missiles, ammunition, and armored vehicles.

President Zelensky emphasized the need for means to strike Russian air bases

During meetings with German officials as part of the "Ramstein", President Zelensky emphasized the importance of obtaining means to strike Russian air bases where KAB aircraft are located.