 "US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, right, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shake hands during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Monday. AP")
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a $400 million aid package for Ukraine during his visit to Kyiv on Monday, reaffirming ongoing support just two weeks before the critical US presidential election.
Austin’s arrival coincided with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s calls for Western allies to lift restrictions on long-range weapons and his push for an immediate NATO invitation.
“I’m pleased to announce today the commitment of a $400 million presidential drawdown package to provide your forces with additional munitions, armoured vehicles and anti-tank weapons,” AFP quoted Austin as saying during a meeting with Zelenskyy.
The package is part of previously announced support from the White House for Ukraine.
In a later speech in Kyiv, Austin emphasised the need for solidarity with Ukraine, especially as concerns grow over the potential reduction of US military support if Donald Trump wins the presidency next month.
However, he did not respond to Zelenskyy’s request for NATO membership or the “victory plan” the Ukrainian leader proposed last week, which aims for increased Western backing to combat Russian forces.
“We face a hinge in history,” Austin said.
“We can continue to stand firm against Putin’s aggression. Or we can let Putin have his way, and we can condemn our children and grandchildren to live in a far bloodier and more dangerous world,” he continued.
Austin’s visit came a few days after South Korean intelligence said North Korea has sent thousands of soldiers to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Austin urged determination against “the spectre of an aggressive Russia, backed by other autocrats from North Korea to Iran.”
Impact Shorts
More ShortsAbout 1,500 North Korean soldiers are in Russia acclimatising and will likely head to the front lines, Seoul’s spy agency has said, with more troops set to depart soon.
Ukraine is already facing tough battles, especially in the east where Russian troops have been making gains in the past few weeks.
Russia also staged more aerial bombardments on Ukraine on Monday.
The governor of Zaporizhzhia region said at least three person had been killed and a dozen more were wounded in a strike that damaged a kindergarten.
With inputs from agencies