"Pentagon Chief Urges Allies to Bolster Ukraine's Air Defense Amid Infrastructure Strikes"

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin opened the 17th Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting (Ramstein) and called for strengthening Ukraine's air defense capabilities to protect its people. He emphasized that Ukraine and Israel face relentless foes, with Iran fueling conflict in both Gaza and Ukraine by arming Hamas and supporting the Kremlin. Austin assured his audience that the US remains committed to supporting Ukraine and announced a new $100 million military aid package. He also denied claims that the supply of NATO-standard ammunition requested by Ukraine has dropped by 30% due to Israel's war against Hamas.