During the 14th online meeting of the Defence Cooperation Group on Ukraine, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the allies will not stop until Ukraine receives the necessary arms and ammunition.

"Russia's war of choice has now lasted more than 500 days. It was entirely unprovoked. It is entirely unnecessary. And it is entirely unjust," emphasised Austin.

He mentioned that Russia continues its indiscriminate bombings of Ukrainian cities, resulting in the deaths of innocent civilians, including children.

"After more than a year of war, the whole world can see Russia's failure to achieve the goals of its war of aggression," the Pentagon head pointed out.

Austin acknowledged that Ukraine's counteroffensive marks a key moment in this tragic war, with the Ukrainian Armed Forces regaining control over sovereign territory.

He reminded that Ukraine's struggle for freedom is a marathon, not a sprint.

"We have supplied Ukraine with critical capabilities such as air defence and ammunition. And we're not going to let up. We will continue to move heaven and earth to get Ukraine what it needs. We will continue to stand with Ukraine's defenders as we have since the start of Russia's indefensible invasion. We will continue to provide Ukraine with what it needs, when it needs it," Austin stated.

The participants of the Defence Cooperation Group will continue providing training and equipment to the Ukrainian Armed Forces to aid in defending Ukraine and countering future aggression.

"Ukraine is fighting for its life. The stakes are high. But this Contact Group has never shied away from a challenge. The United States will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. And so will this Contact Group," emphasised Austin.

As reported earlier, the Defence Ministers of Ukraine and the United States, Oleksii Reznikov and Lloyd Austin, had a phone conversation ahead of the next meeting of the Defence Cooperation Group on Ukraine (July 18).

The Ramstein format, which unites over 50 countries worldwide, was initiated to collectively support Ukraine and meet the defence needs of the Ukrainian army in the face of full-scale Russian aggression.