During an unannounced visit to Kyiv, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin assured Ukraine of continued support in its conflict with Russia. Austin stated that the US is committed to providing Ukraine with the necessary resources to defend its sovereignty and security. The US has been a key supporter of Ukraine, having delivered over $58 billion in security assistance since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The Biden administration recently announced a new $400 million military aid package for Ukraine, which includes munitions for various weapon systems. However, the US has not endorsed Ukraine's requests to join NATO or use longer-range missiles against Russian targets.
As Ukraine faces challenges in repelling Russian advances along its eastern front, Austin emphasized the importance of a strategic and coordinated defense approach. He underscored that the US does not seek war with Russia and is cautious about actions that could escalate the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's 'victory plan' has garnered support from some European allies, but the US is yet to make a decision on endorsing the plan. Recent Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian cities have underscored the urgent need for additional support and ammunition for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's Foreign Minister met with Turkish officials to discuss strategic cooperation and defense ties. Turkey, a NATO member, has maintained a delicate balance in its relations with both Ukraine and Russia, offering to facilitate peace talks between the two countries.
The situation in Ukraine remains fluid, with ongoing military engagements and humanitarian concerns. The international community continues to monitor the conflict closely, with a focus on supporting Ukraine's defense efforts and seeking a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
For more updates on the war in Ukraine, visit AP's coverage.
