RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — In a critical final meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III called for the incoming Trump administration to maintain military aid to Ukraine, warning that any cessation of support would lead to "more aggression, chaos, and war.”

Zelensky emphasized the significance of the international coalition built to support Ukraine, stating, “We’ve come such a long way that it would honestly be crazy to drop the ball now.” He further affirmed the determination of the Ukrainian people to ensure their nation's sovereignty, noting that “everyone wants to feel sure that their country will not just be erased off the map” (L.A. Times, HuffPost).

During the discussions, Austin declared the U.S. would send an additional $500 million in security assistance, which includes missiles for fighter jets and other military equipment. This funding is sourced from existing U.S. stockpiles through presidential drawdown authority, aimed at delivering these vital resources swiftly to bolster Ukraine’s defenses against ongoing Russian aggression.

As Ukraine embarks on a second offensive in the critical Kursk region, both Zelensky and Austin stressed the immediacy of support, with Austin stating that "no responsible leader will let Putin have his way." This offensive, identified by Zelensky as “one of our biggest wins,” has reportedly resulted in substantial Russian and North Korean troop casualties amid the conflict, further heightening the urgency for continued military backing.

As the Trump inauguration approaches, uncertainty looms over the future of U.S. support. Austin warned the assembled nations that backing down may embolden aggressors, saying, “If Putin swallows Ukraine, his appetite will only grow.” Discussions during the meeting suggested a potential reevaluation of strategies should U.S. support wane, with European allies contemplating alternative arrangements under countries like Germany if necessary.

Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius described Trump’s recent provocative comments regarding NATO alliances as "diplomatically astonishing," expressing confidence that such remarks would not significantly alter U.S. foreign policy post-inauguration. He indicated plans to engage with the new administration to discuss strategies for continuing support for Ukraine.

The latest U.S. military package leaves approximately $3.85 billion available for future arms deliveries to Ukraine, which will be at Trump’s discretion to allocate. This aid forms part of over $66 billion provided to Ukraine since the onset of the conflict in February 2022, underscoring the ongoing commitment of U.S. and allied nations in the face of escalating hostilities from Russia.

As Zelensky articulated, “a new chapter starts for Europe and the entire world,” emphasizing the necessity of cooperation among democratic nations to thwart any potential threats. Both leaders concluded the meeting with a call for unity and determination as vital to Ukraine’s survival and the security of Europe and beyond.