In a surprise visit, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin unveiled a new package of military aid to Ukraine worth 100m dollars.
Austin arrived in Kyiv on Monday, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as Defence Minister Rustem Umerov and Commander-in-Chief General Valeriy Zaluzhny. The US representative promised them long-term support from Washington. Austin told Zelenskyy:
“The message that I bring you today, Mr President, is that the United States of America is with you. We will remain with you for the long haul.”
Austin said US support would continue “for a long time.”
The new US military aid package will include air defence interceptors, anti-tank weapons and an additional High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). Zelensky told Austin that his visit was a “very important signal” for Ukraine. The Ukrainian president said:
“We count on your support.”
Since the war in Ukraine began in February 2022, the US has committed more than $44bn and Western allies a further $35bn in security support, ranging from millions of rounds of ammunition to air defence systems, advanced European and American battle tanks and, finally, promises to buy F-16 fighter jets.
But there are fears that allied support is waning amid a devastating war between Israel and Gaza and a perceived lack of progress in the Ukrainian counter-offensive that began in June.
Fighting has stalled in the east around the devastated towns of Bakhmut and Aviidka, although Ukraine has recently reported some successes in the southern Kherson region, where it has gained a foothold on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River, and on the Black Sea.
Austin’s visit comes amid growing disagreement over aid to Ukraine in the US Congress. Some lawmakers want to prioritise support for Israel, although US defence officials stress that Washington can support both allies at the same time. A small but active group of Republicans opposes additional aid to Ukraine, arguing that taxpayers’ money should be spent domestically.
