And he announced Austin About providing an additional military aid package worth $400 million to Ukrainewhich has been waging a battle against the Russian military offensive since February 2022.
Austin said on the X platform: “I am here in Ukraine for the fourth time as Secretary of Defense, which is proof that the United States, along with the international community, still stands by Ukraine.”
He met with US Defense Secretary Zelensky and his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustam Omerov.
According to the US Department of Defense, the aid package includes HIMARs rocket ammunition, artillery ammunition, and mortar shells, and more M113 armored transport vehicles, small arms, and related ammunition will also be provided.
The Associated Press quoted Austin as saying in a speech he delivered at the Diplomatic Academy in Ukraine: US It will provide Ukraine with what it needs to “fight for its survival and security.”
He noted that the United States has provided more than $58 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s all-out attack on Ukraine in February 2022, making it Kiev’s main backer.
But Zelensky had asked Ukraine’s Western allies to take further steps, especially inviting Ukraine to join NATO (natto) and allowing it to use the longer-range missiles supplied by the West to strike military targets deep in Russian territory. These steps were met with a lukewarm response.
Austin’s visit to Kiev comes in the final months of the US President’s administration Joe BidenAt a time when all eyes are on the frantic race to reach the White House.
Democratic candidate Kamala Harris pledged to continue providing military aid to Ukraine if she wins the elections scheduled for November 5, while the Republican candidate excluded the former president. Donald Trump Providing more aid.