The United States announces $100 million in new military aid to Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in Kyiv, Monday, November 20, 2023. Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP
Washington announced $100 million in new military aid to Ukraine on Monday, the day of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s visit to Kiev.
These include Himars systems, artillery ammunition and anti-tank weapons, as well as small-caliber ammunition, according to press releases from the Pentagon and the State Department.
During his visit, Mr. Austin assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of Washington’s continued support in the face of the Russian invasion. The United States is by far the main supplier of military aid to Kiev, and a reduction in its support, vehemently demanded by some elected Republicans, would deal a major blow to Ukrainian efforts to liberate the occupied south and east of the country.
This new aid comes from funds already approved by the American Congress but are running out pending the vote on a new budget framework for Ukraine, which President Joe Biden has requested but is on hold due to opposition from Republican elected officials.
“The message I bring to you today, Mr. President, is that the United States is with you and will remain with you for a long time,” Lloyd Austin said during a meeting with the Ukrainian leader. “Together with our allies and partners, we will continue to support Ukraine’s urgent battlefield needs and its long-term defense needs,” added the official, who was also scheduled to meet his Ukrainian counterpart, Armed Forces Commander Valery Zaluzhny. For his part, Mr. Zelensky described the Pentagon chief’s visit as “a very important signal.” “We count on your support,” he said.
Ukraine is eager to ensure the continuation of European and American aid, while voices in the West are growing calling for a reduction in that support after nearly two years of war. As the international community focuses on the war between Israel and Hamas on October 7, Kiev wants to prevent the support it has received so far from waning.