Meet President Zelensky and Announce Additional Military Assistance, US Defense Secretary: They Are Ready to Fight in Winter

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin. (Twitter/@SecDef)

JAKARTA - Defense Minister Lloyd Austin confirmed that the United States and its allies' support for Ukraine in the face of the Russian invasion will continue, when he met President Volodymyr Zelensky and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in Kyiv on Monday.

Accompanied by a number of top US generals in Europe, Minister of Defense Austin announced the latest military assistance worth 100 million US dollars, covering anti-tank weapons, air defense interceptors and additional High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS).

"The message I convey to you today, Mr. President, is that the United States is with you. We will remain with you for the long term," said Defense Minister Austin to President Zelensky after traveling by train from Poland to Ukraine, as reported by Reuters, November 21.

So far, the United States has provided more than 44 billion US dollars in security assistance to Ukraine, since Russia launched its invasion in February 2022.

"I think they are ready to fight in the winter," said Defense Minister Austin.

"They did a good job last year. This year we expect them, based on what President Zelensky said, to be more aggressive," he added.

Meanwhile, President Zelensky told Defense Secretary Austin that his visit was a "very important signal" for Ukraine.

"We count on your support," said President Zelensky.

This visit comes amid increasing divisions over aid to Ukraine in the US Congress, ahead of the US Presidential Election to be held in November 2024.

Some American lawmakers prioritized aid to Israel, as US defense officials emphasized that Washington could support both allies simultaneously.

In a statement on Monday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on lawmakers to approve more aid.

"It is critical that Congress take action to support Ukraine by approving the President's request for additional funding," said Secretary of State Blinken.

"Helping Ukraine defend itself, helps prevent a larger conflict in the region, deters future aggression, thus making us all safer," he said.

I came to Kyiv today with an important message – the United States stands with Ukraine, and we are going to be with them for the long haul. pic.twitter.com/4wPE2Jx2tm

— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) November 20, 2023