The United States and its NATO and European allies are taking bold new measures to support Ukraine’s defense against Russia with substantial short and long-term efforts, recognizing that the Russian threat to Ukraine and all of Europe continues to grow more serious.

At a meeting in Germany of more than forty countries, U.S. defense secretary Lloyd Austin cited the growing international resolve to send more weapons and equipment to Ukraine, citing Germany’s move to send fifty Cheetah air-defense vehicles, British efforts to send anti-aircraft weapons, and new Canadian decisions to send armored vehicles.

With civilian lives hanging in the balance, and Russia seeking to build momentum for its mechanized assault upon Donbas in eastern Ukraine, Austin was clear that the coming weeks will be extremely crucial and likely to prove decisive in the outcome of the war.

“[W]e don't have any time to waste. The briefings today laid out clearly why the coming weeks will be so crucial for Ukraine, so we've got to move at the speed of war. And I know that all the leaders leave today more resolved than ever to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression and atrocities." Austin said following the meeting.

Austin also announced the framework for a long-term collaboration agreement among nations supporting Ukraine, saying the multinational gatherings will become a monthly occurrence to ensure long-term support for Ukraine.

“I’m proud to announce that today’s gathering will become a monthly contact group on Ukraine’s self defense, and the contact group will be a vehicle for nations of good will to intensify our efforts and coordinate our assistance and focus on winning today’s fight and the struggles to come. The monthly meetings may be in person, virtual or mixed, and they'll extend the transparency, the integration and the dialogue that we saw today,” Austin said. 

Clearly, international resolve appears aimed at a number of key, overlapping objectives including short-term defenses for Ukraine in the Donbas and throughout the country; longer-term support for Ukraine, given that the situation appears to be evolving into a protracted war; and a collective, multinational recognition that European unity is necessary to safeguard the continent from the prospect of further Russian aggression.

Kris Osborn is the Defense Editor for the National Interest. Osborn previously served at the Pentagon as a Highly Qualified Expert with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army—Acquisition, Logistics & Technology. Osborn has also worked as an anchor and on-air military specialist at national TV networks. He has appeared as a guest military expert on Fox News, MSNBC, The Military Channel, and The History Channel. He also has a Master’s Degree in Comparative Literature from Columbia University.

Image: Reuters.