New alliance founded – NATO countries want to supply Kiev with 1 million drones

The Latvian Ministry of Defense said they are committed to investing resources in drone production and supplying drones and spare parts to Ukraine. Drone tests and troop training are also planned.

“Drones effective in reconnaissance and destruction”
“Drone technologies have significantly changed the strategy and tactics of warfare. Drone technology also plays an important role in Ukraine’s arsenal and is effective in reconnaissance and destruction of the enemy,” Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds said, the statement said. The international contact group at NATO had previously discussed the coordination of arms aid to Ukraine with more than fifty countries – the so-called Ramstein format, in which Austria also participates as an observer.

Britain specifically announced the delivery of thousands more drones to Ukraine. This drone aid package, as part of an international initiative, amounts to 200 million pounds (about 234 million euros) and is being put forward together with Latvia, according to British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps. Together, Britain and Latvia would give Ukraine the skills it needs to defend itself and win this war to ensure that Russian President Vladimir Putin “fails in his illegal and barbaric ambitions,” Shapps said.

According to the information, Latvia itself wants to make at least ten million euros available within a year for the development of the drone coalition. The Ministry of Defense in Riga has received information about the drones needed by Ukraine and has started discussions with local manufacturers.

Stoltenberg warns against blocking American aid
The defense ministers of NATO countries are currently discussing further support for Ukraine in Brussels. On the sidelines of the meeting, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg strongly warned the US House of Representatives not to block the Biden administration’s planned military aid to Kiev (see video above). “We are already seeing the consequences of the fact that the US has not been able to make a decision so far,” the Norwegian said on Thursday, referring to warnings of an ammunition shortage in Ukraine. He is betting that an agreement will be reached.

“If we let President Putin win, it would not only be a tragedy for Ukrainians, but also dangerous for us,” Stoltenberg added. It is in the interest of one’s own security to continue supporting Ukraine. Stoltenberg did not initially comment on the exact nature of the consequences of the delays that were already being felt. However, it has long been said in alliance circles that there is an acute shortage of ammunition in Ukraine.

A billion-dollar package is awaiting approval
After a long delay, one of the two chambers of the US Congress, the Senate, recently approved plans for new aid to Ukraine worth approximately 60 billion dollars (almost 56 billion euros). Approval from the House of Representatives is still considered open because opposition Republicans have a narrow majority there. MPs from the right-wing fringe of the party oppose further American aid to Ukraine.

“Fight for the security of every country”
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said in Brussels on Thursday that he also wanted to meet Republican MPs on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference starting next Friday and seek approval. “There can be no doubt that we are united with Ukraine,” he said. “It is not just a fight between Ukraine and the Russian aggressor. It is a fight for the rules-based international order, for the security of every country against such an imperialist attack.” That is why we must take responsibility and help where we can.