The third meeting of the Defense Ministers of the partner countries, which united for military assistance to Ukraine, began.

The meeting was opened by Lloyd Austin, the Head of the Pentagon.

Moldova, Georgia and Ecuador joined the negotiations.

Lloyd Austin noted that since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, 45 allies and partners from all around the world have already provided assistance to Ukraine.

“Today I am honoured to receive Defense Ministers and Heads of Staffs from more than 45 countries, as well as representatives of NATO and the EU. I am also pleased to welcome Ecuador, Georgia and Moldova, who joined today’s meeting of the contact group,” Austin added.

He added that since the previous meeting, important progress has been made “on several fronts.”

“The Allies have provided Harpoon missiles to improve the coastal defense of Ukraine, Britain provides М270 and training to help Ukraine defend the territory of Donbas, a number of allies and partners provide howitzers and artillery ammunition – Ukrainian forces are already using them for defense of Donbas,” Austin stressed.

He also urged not to waste time in vain and deepen support of the Armed Forces in the current struggle so that Ukraine can protect itself and its citizens.

Reminder: the US Embassy in Ukraine reported that the country has already provided Ukraine with weapons worth $4.6 billion.

However, on the eve the Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Hanna Malyar stressed that now Ukraine received only 10% of the weapons required for defense against Russia.