Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III underscored the United States’ unwavering support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression during talks with senior leaders in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev today (November 20).
Austin met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov during an unannounced visit to the country.
“This group has taken action and we continue to work together to provide muchneeded security assistance in the form of [sistemas de foguetes de artilharia de alta mobilidade]other artillery platforms, tanks [e] Ammunition,” Austin said. “And that’s really good work by our allies.”
Austin will host the 17th Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting later this week.
Austin’s visit comes as Congress responds to President Joe Biden’s request for additional funding to further support Ukraine.
As Congress continues to work on the proposal, Austin said he is confident there is bipartisan support for Ukraine in both houses of Congress.
“I know there are some things we need to continue working on in order for the amendment to be approved,” he said. “And we will continue to work with Congress to make this happen.”
The minister added that continued support to Ukraine is essential.
“What is happening here is important not only for Ukraine but for the entire world,” Austin said. “It is a rulesbased international order. It’s about not living in a world where a dictator can 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: US Department of Defense