Biden invites leaders to international meeting for Ukraine in Germany

US President Joe Biden is inviting leaders to a high-level meeting on Ukraine in Germany in October to coordinate the efforts of more than 50 supporting countries, the White House announced on Thursday.

"I will convene a leader-level meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Germany next month to coordinate the efforts of the more than 50 countries supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression," Biden said in a statement as he announced a fresh package worth some $8 billion for Ukraine ahead of a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington.

The package includes another Patriot air-defence system, long-range glide bombs and drones.

Biden will travel to Germany for a three-day visit beginning October 10, the White House announced on Tuesday. Biden will meet with Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin. He will then travel to the US air base in Ramstein.

Although the White House did not provide details on the location of the high-ranking Ukraine meeting, it is assumed it will be held in Ramstein.

The US-led so-called Ramstein Group has held many meetings there to coordinate aid to Ukraine. The US and Germany are Ukraine's largest arms suppliers.

Zelensky promptly thanked the US for the aid, posting on Telegram that his country would use the support in the most efficient and transparent manner possible, while acknowledging the support from both Republicans and Democrats.

He also praised a training programme for Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets. He said that newly introduced sanctions, which impair Russia's ability to finance the war against Ukraine, were also important.