Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made a surprise visit to Kiev on Monday, re-emphasizing the United States' continued support for Ukraine as it faces other pressing challenges abroad.
"Mr. President, my message to you today is that the United States of America is with you," Austin told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.During Austin's visit, the Defense Department announced a total of $100 million in military aid - one of the smallest packages to date as available funds for U.S. aid begin to dwind down.
Briefing the media, senior U.S. defense officials stressed the criticality of Austin's visit and its message that the United States will continue to support Ukraine despite other challenges, notably the Israeli-Hamas conflict in the Middle East.
While U.S. aid funding to Ukraine is dwindling, the official said "some of the capabilities" acquired over the past year and a half will begin to become operational in the coming months and "throughout 2024."
"Mr. President, my message to you today is that the United States of America is with you," Austin told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
During Austin's visit, the Defense Department announced a total of $100 million in military aid - one of the smallest packages to date as available funds for U.S. aid begin to dwind down.
Briefing the media, senior U.S. defense officials stressed the criticality of Austin's visit and its message that the United States will continue to support Ukraine despite other challenges, notably the Israeli-Hamas conflict in the Middle East.
While U.S. aid funding to Ukraine is dwindling, the official said "some of the capabilities" acquired over the past year and a half will begin to become operational in the coming months and "throughout 2024."
