President Volodymyr Zelensky urged representatives from approximately 50 nations on Thursday to continue their military support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, emphasizing that it would be “crazy to drop the ball now.”
During the opening of the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Zelensky highlighted the significance of the upcoming inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald J. Trump on January 20, noting that cooperation among nations is essential at this juncture. He expressed optimism, stating, “I see this as a time of opportunities and renewal in almost three years of full scale war.”
Zelensky stressed the importance of maintaining and building upon the defense coalitions established during the conflict, stating, “We’ve come such a long way that it would honestly be crazy to drop the ball now.”
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin announced a new $500 million military aid package for Ukraine at the conference, which includes missiles for air defense, air-to-ground munitions, support equipment for F-16 fighter planes, and secure communications equipment. Austin underscored the ongoing risks, warning that if Russia were to succeed in Ukraine, it could embolden further aggression from autocratic regimes.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, expressed hope that the U.S. would continue its strong support for Ukraine under the new administration, while also indicating that the E.U. is prepared to assume a leadership role if necessary.
Cyprus was welcomed as the newest member of the contact group, having distanced itself from Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. Lt. Gen. Georgios Tsitsikostas of Cyprus’ National Guard noted the country’s longstanding support for Ukraine, which has included humanitarian aid and training for Ukrainian soldiers.
As Cyprus transitions to NATO-standard arms, the general acknowledged the friction this has caused with Russia, highlighting a broader trend of countries realigning their military partnerships. Zelensky emphasized the importance of securing assistance from more nations, particularly in light of potential changes in U.S. support under a second Trump administration.
He concluded by stating, “No matter what’s going on in the world, everyone wants to feel sure that their country will not just be erased off the map,” reinforcing the need for collective action and determination in defending national interests.