US Secretary of Defense reaffirms US support during Ukraine visit
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reaffirmed the United States' steadfast support for Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression during talks with senior leaders in Kyiv.
Austin met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov during an unannounced visit to the country.
While in Kyiv, he announce a new security assistance package for Ukraine valued at up to $100m (ÂŁ79.8).
"I wanted to reassure the leadership that the United States of America will continue to support Ukraine," Austin told reporters following the talks on Monday.
"We talked about the things that we're going to continue to do to make sure they have what they need to be successful on the battlefield," he said.
He added that the discussions were an opportunity for the leaders to refocus and ensure they maintain alignment between the ongoing operations and objectives on the battlefield.
Austin's visit marks his third to Ukraine as defense secretary and second since Russia's invasion.
The US security assistance package includes additional air defense capabilities, artillery ammunition, as well as anti tank weapons.
Overall, the US has provided $44.2 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the start of the war.
Austin praised allies while emphasising the ongoing support from the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group, a US-led group of nearly 50 countries which have pledged to support Ukraine.
"That group has roared into action, and we have continued to work together to provide much needed security assistance in the form of, other artillery platforms, tanks munitions," Austin said.
"And so, really good work on the part of our allies."
Austin will host the 17th meeting of the Ukranian Defense Contact Group later this week.
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