KYIV: The U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, on Monday announced a new package of assistance to Ukraine amounting $400 million.
During a meeting with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, he said the aid will be spent on ammunition, military equipment, and weapons for Ukraine.
Austin reiterated the commitment of the United States to continue providing assistance to Ukraine under a bilateral treaty signed by Zelenskyy and his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden.
The U.S. Secretary of Defense also discussed further strengthening of strategic partnership between the United States and Ukraine. Zelenskyy thanked the US leadership for the military assistance package.
“I thank the American people and President Biden. I am also grateful for the bipartisan support: we greatly appreciate everything that has been done since the start of this war. Thank you for the recent meeting in Brussels within the framework of the Ukraine – NATO Council,” he said.
He added that during a recent phone conversation with President Joe Biden, they reviewed the Victory Plan, Ukraine’s air defense, options for bolstering them and capabilities preparations for the winter.
Among the major topics that came under discussion during the meeting were the authorization to use long-range weapons against Russian military targets, boosting the production of strike drones and cruise missiles, as well as artillery shells and air defense systems.
“Special attention was paid to the importance of continuing clear coordination with international partners to provide security assistance to Ukraine,” the press service said.
The Pentagon in a press release on its website said that Austin arrived in Ukraine on Monday to hold a meeting with Ukrainian leaders and reaffirm the support of the United States for Ukraine.
During his engagements, the Secretary will also meet with Ukrainian leadership and emphasize the U.S. commitment to providing Ukraine with the security assistance it needs to defend itself in the war against Russia.
