Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on his Western allies to ignore Moscow's "red lines" and allow Kiev to use long-range weapons to strike Russian territory, AFP reported.
"We need to have these long-range capabilities not only on ... the territory of Ukraine, but also on Russian territory, so that Russia is motivated to pursue peace," Zelensky said.
His words came during the meeting at the Ramstein air base, in which the Ukrainian leader participated for the first time.
The president also urged Kiev's supporters to follow through on their previous commitments, saying: "The number of air defense systems that have not been delivered is significant."
The meeting in Ramstein was hosted by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who announced that Washington would provide $250 million in new military aid to Ukraine.
"The package will increase the ability to respond to Ukraine's evolving requirements," Austin said at the meeting.
The aid is expected to include ammunition for the HIMARS precision-guided missile systems, artillery shells, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons, a US defense official said on condition of anonymity.
Talks in Germany, attended by representatives from around 50 countries, will focus on areas including strengthening Ukraine's air defenses and encouraging allies to boost their defense industries.
"Ukraine is important to American and international security, and the efforts of Kiev's allies meeting in Ramstein continue to play a vital role in Ukraine's struggle for freedom and sovereignty," Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said.
The meeting is taking place against the background of the advance of Russian troops in the Donbass region of Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on September 5 that capturing the eastern region was his "main goal" in the conflict. | BGNES
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