Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III emphasized the United States’ steadfast support for Ukraine as it defends itself from Russian aggression during talks with senior leaders in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, today (11/20).
Austin met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Defense Minister Rustam Omerov during an unannounced visit to the country.
“This group has hit the ground running and we continue to work together to provide much-needed security assistance in the form of… [sistemas de foguetes de artilharia de alta mobilidade]And other artillery platforms and tanks [e] “Ammo,” Austin said. “So, really good work by our allies.”
Austin will host the 17th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group later this week.
Austin’s visit comes as Congress responds to President Joe Biden’s request for additional funding to continue support for Ukraine.
As Congress continues to work on this request, Austin said he is confident there is bipartisan support for Ukraine in both chambers of Congress.
“I know there are some things we need to continue to work on to approve the additional application,” he said. “And we will continue to work with Congress to do this.”
The minister added that continued support for Ukraine is essential.
“What is happening here is important not only for Ukraine, but for the whole world,” Austin said. “It is a rules-based international system. It’s about…not living in a world where a dictator might wake up one day and decide to annex the property of his peaceful neighbor. “This is not the world we want to live in.”
source: Pentagon
