Austin in Kiev - USA pledges long-term aid to Ukraine
During a visit to Kiev, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin assured Ukraine, which is under attack from Russia, of his country's long-term support. Austin met with President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday.
"Together with our allies and partners, we will continue to support Ukraine's current battlefield needs and long-term defense requirements," Austin wrote about his message on the social network X (formerly Twitter). The Pentagon announced that one aim of the visit was to clarify what the Ukrainian army needs, especially as winter begins.
I just arrived in Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian leaders.
I’m here today to deliver an important message – the United States will continue to stand with Ukraine in their fight for freedom against Russia’s aggression, both now and into the future. pic.twitter.com/1D96aeeACl
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) November 20, 2023
Ukraine has been fending off a Russian invasion since February 2022. No other country has helped Ukraine with such large arms deliveries as the USA. However, the continuation of the aid is controversial in the US Congress; President Joe Biden's government has to fight for the funds to be released. Most recently, Washington promised Ukraine ATACMS missiles, which have a longer range than previously supplied US weapons. With US approval, Ukrainian pilots are currently training on F-16 fighter jets, which other countries want to hand over to Kiev.
Selensky emphasized that the visit was a "very important signal" for Ukraine. Kiev continues to count on the support of the USA and both parties in Congress. "The message I have brought you today is that the USA will stand by you," emphasized Austin in return.
As with all foreign politicians, the Pentagon chief's trip had not been made public in advance for security reasons. Austin was accompanied to Kiev by the commander-in-chief of US troops in Europe, General Christopher Cavoli, according to US Ambassador Bridget Brink. According to video recordings, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Defense Minister Rustem Umjerow also took part in the meeting with Selenskyj from the Ukrainian side.
According to the Pentagon, Austin had already spoken to Umyerov on the phone the day before. They prepared the upcoming consultations between the 50 or so countries that provide military support to Ukraine. The so-called Ramstein format will meet on Wednesday (November 22) as a video conference.
Austin and Selensky discussed the need for continued military support during the Ramstein format meeting, with Austin assuring that the U.S. will provide both immediate battlefield needs and long-term defense aid to Ukraine in their ongoing conflict with Russia. The Ramstein format, a gathering of over 50 countries providing military aid to Ukraine, will convene in a virtual meeting on November 22 to discuss strategies and aid provision.
Source: www.dpa.com
