US Defence Secretary Lloyd J. Austin on Friday delivered opening remarks at a virtual meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine’s defence issues, pledging continued assistance to Ukraine and indicating that the US attitude towards Russia remains unchanged.
In his opening remarks, Austin stated:
“We remain determined to deter Russia from any further aggression, including against our NATO allies.”
The United States will provide another $1 billion in assistance to Ukraine, including additional HIMARS, 155mm ammunition, air defence and armoured vehicles, the minister added. He also emphasised:
“Ukraine also needs more artillery and armoured vehicles to protect its citizens and regain “seized territories”. And we will do everything in our power to help them. Ukraine’s fight for freedom is important to all of us”
The US defence secretary also said that Washington “will continue to help strengthen the arsenal of Ukrainian democracy.”
The US Senate on Tuesday approved $95 billion in military aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan after months of delays and debate over how involved the US should be in foreign wars.
Meanwhile, during a visit to Beijing on Friday afternoon, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US was considering introducing measures to affect the growing Russia-China economic co-operation as it could exacerbate the situation in Ukraine.
