Austin Meets With Ukrainian Counterpart

Secretary of Protection Lloyd J. Austin III underscored the USA’ enduring dedication to supporting Ukraine as he met with Ukrainian Protection Minister Rustem Umerov on the Pentagon right this moment.  

Austin condemned Russia’s assault on Ukraine’s important civilian infrastructure earlier this week and stated the U.S. will proceed to guide allies and companions in delivering key capabilities to assist Ukraine defend itself.  

“Let me be clear, it’s by no means acceptable to focus on civilians, and Ukraine’s resilience will assist it prevail over Putin’s aggression and atrocities,” he stated.  

Austin added that Ukrainian forces have continued to stay steadfast. 

“They proceed to fend off [the] Kremlin’s assault and to inflict main losses on Russian invaders,” he stated. “So, make no mistake, the USA is not going to waiver in our help for a free and sovereign Ukraine.”  

The 2 leaders met right this moment forward of subsequent week’s assembly of the Ukraine Protection Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Almost 50 allies and companions dedicated to the protection of Ukraine will collect there for the twenty fourth iteration of the U.S.-led coalition.  

Austin stated the companions will push to satisfy Ukraine’s pressing battlefield wants, together with air-defense capabilities to fend off Russian drone and missile assaults, on the assembly. 

The efforts add to the USA’ continued push to make sure Ukraine has the capabilities wanted to defend its territory and deter Russian aggression within the long-term.  

Final week, the Protection Division introduced its newest package deal of safety help for Ukraine, valued at as much as $125 million.  

The package deal included key weapons and ammunition to satisfy Ukraine’s most pressing wants, together with air-defense capabilities.  

The announcement marked the sixty fourth provision of U.S. tools from DOD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021. 

Umerov stated right this moment’s assembly would function detailed discussions concerning the present state of affairs on the battlefield and Ukraine’s “imaginative and prescient, aims and plans.” 

The Ukrainian chief thanked Austin for his continued management rallying the worldwide coalition behind the protection of Ukraine. 

“The management of the USA has set a strong instance to encourage different companions to face by Ukraine at this important time,” Umerov stated.