US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, during his visit to Kyiv, pledged $100 million in additional military aid to Ukraine and promised long-term American support in the face of Russia’s invasion despite increasing concerns about the sustainability of necessary US assistance.
Following talks with Ukrainian authorities, Austin released the aid package, which included anti-tank weaponry, air defence interceptors, and an additional High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).
Austin’s Visit to Kyiv
Austin met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov. After the meeting, Austin informed reporters that the leaders discussed Ukraine’s current operations and its short- and long-term aims and objectives.
“The message that I bring you today, President, is the United States of America is with you,” Austin assured Zelensky. “We will remain with you for the long-haul. What happened here in Ukraine – that not only matters to Ukraine but it matters to the rest of the world. It certainly matters to the United States of America.”
Austin claimed that discussions allowed leaders to prioritise and ensure that ongoing operations and battlefield objectives remained aligned.
“I wanted to reassure the leadership that the United States of America will continue to support Ukraine,” Austin stated. “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.”
I was honored to meet with President @ZelenskyyUa in Kyiv today to reaffirm the United States’ steadfast support for Ukraine. We, along with our allies and partners, will continue to support Ukraine’s urgent battlefield needs and long-term defense requirements. pic.twitter.com/Odv6ClgcrP
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) November 20, 2023
Austin also emphasised the US-led Ukrainian Defence Contact Group, an alliance of almost 50 countries that has rallied in support of Ukraine.
“That group has roared into action, and we have continued to work together to provide much needed security assistance in the form of [High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems], other artillery platforms, tanks [and] munitions,” Austin remarked. “And so, really good work on the part of our allies.”
In his concluding remarks, Austin asserted, “This is about the rules-based international order. This is about ... not living in a world where a dictator can wake up one day and decide to annex the property of his peaceful neighbour. That’s not the world we want to live in.”
Additional Aid to Ukraine
On Monday, the Department of Defence (DoD) announced additional security assistance to Ukraine to help it meet its vital security and defence needs.
The security package includes draw-down security assistance from DoD stocks worth up to $125 million to meet Ukraine’s urgent battlefield requirements and using $300 million in Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) money to enhance Ukraine’s air defences over time.
The new US security assistance to Ukraine is the 15th tranche of equipment to be provided from DoD inventories to Ukraine beginning in August 2021. These include HIMARS and additional ammunition; 155mm artillery rounds; stinger anti-aircraft missiles; and Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles.
The package also includes cold weather clothing, demolition munitions for clearing obstacles, and over three million rounds of small weapons ammunition.
U.S. still capable of sending Ukraine shells 'for some time' - The Washington Post
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) November 20, 2023
US Defense Secretary Austin today announced a new $100 million aid package to Kyiv, which will include ammunition for artillery and air defense. pic.twitter.com/bWx4vTqqXR
Austin Assured Congress’ Support
Reports indicate that Austin’s visit comes as Congress considers US President Joe Biden’s request for extra funding to help Ukraine.
While Congress works through the proposal, Austin expressed confidence that Ukraine has bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress.
“I know that there are some things that we need to continue to work through to get the supplemental request approved,” Austin said. “And we’ll continue to work with Congress to do that.”
Although US aid to Ukraine is dwindling, officials stated a “number of capabilities” acquired over the last year and a half will be operational in the following months and “throughout 2024.” “So, there will be a steady supply of capabilities immediately and for some time,” the officials stated.
Austin also met with around 25 Americans in Ukraine as part of the Defence Department’s Embassy Kyiv team. Austin thanked them for their efforts and reassured them their actions mattered.