The participating states of the Ramstein meeting will consider how to solve the problem of ammunition production for Ukraine.

The Pentagon chief points out that the contact group must provide Ukraine with the full capabilities for the fight ahead, including the spare parts and maintenance packages to sustain the critical capabilities, and additional equipment.

The contact group is focused on coordinating long-term sustainment., Austin added.

"We also need to find ways to get new donations of ammunition and air-defence systems to Ukraine. To increase ammunition production, members of this Contact Group are coming together to develop innovative solutions to industrial-production problems," Lloyd Austin, US Defense Secretary, said before the online meeting on March 15.

Austin expressed confidence that "we'll continue to step up to meet Ukraine's needs into this spring and well beyond."

In addition, Austin reported that nine countries have announced their intention to send more than 150 Leopard tanks to Ukraine.

He also commented on the collision of the Russian Su-27 with the US drone in the Black Sea.