US Secretary of Defense to V. Zelensky: The US is with you, we will stay with you for a long time
Table of Contents
- 1 L. Austin: “Today, Mr. President, I convey to you the message that the United States of America is with you, we will stay with you for a long time”
- 2 Smaller aid packages
- 3 What message did U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin convey to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his recent visit to Ukraine?
- 4 Will Ukraine pay U.S. back
Table of Contents
- 1 L. Austin: “Today, Mr. President, I convey to you the message that the United States of America is with you, we will stay with you for a long time”
- 2 Smaller aid packages
- 3 What message did U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin convey to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his recent visit to Ukraine?
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made an unannounced visit to Ukraine on Monday, seeking to ease Kiev’s concerns that support from its key ally Washington may be waning as Russia’s full-scale invasion continues for nearly 21 months.
The United States has given Ukraine more than $40 billion since the beginning of the Russian invasion. $36.6 billion worth of security aid and pledged to support Kyiv “as long as it takes,” but opposition from hard-line Republicans has cast doubt on the future of American aid.
After arriving in the capital of Ukraine, L. Austin visited the US Embassy and met with diplomats and employees of the Department of Defense.
“You are allowing us to provide support to a country that is fighting for its existence,” Austin told soldiers at the embassy.
The head of the Defense Department is also meeting with Ukrainian leaders during his visit, which was not announced in advance for security reasons.
“He will also underscore the continued commitment of the United States to providing Ukraine with the security assistance it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression,” the Pentagon said.
L. Austin: “Today, Mr. President, I convey to you the message that the United States of America is with you, we will stay with you for a long time”
L. Austin told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Washington’s support is long-term.
“Today, Mr. President, I am sending you the message that the United States of America is with you, we will be with you for a long time,” L. Austin told V. Zelensky.
L. Austin emphasized that Ukraine’s efforts to overcome the Russian invasion “are important for the whole world”.
The leader of Ukraine assessed the visit of the head of the Pentagon as a very important signal.
“We count on your support,” Zelenskiy said, thanking Congress and the American people for their support.
L. Austin should later meet with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Chief of the General Staff General Valery Zaluzhno.
Austin’s visit to Kyiv, where he arrived by train from Poland, is the Pentagon chief’s second trip since February 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Washington is the largest provider of military aid to Kyiv, and cutting American aid would be a major blow to Ukraine, which is preparing for a second winter of war.
Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged lawmakers to maintain support for Ukraine during an October hearing, and the head of the US Defense Department said “without our support (to Ukraine), (Russian President Vladimir) Putin will succeed.”
Smaller aid packages
But some Republican lawmakers oppose further aid, and new aid to Ukraine was not included in an interim deal approved last week to avert a US government shutdown.
Nevertheless, a senior US defense official told reporters that “we continue to believe that Congress will provide that support, and we plan accordingly.”
However, US aid has not been suspended, and previously approved aid is still available, albeit at a reduced rate.
Sabrina Singh, the Pentagon’s deputy press secretary, said earlier this month that the aid package “is going down because we had support for the Ukraine disengagement.”
In addition to growing resistance in US domestic politics to further aid, international attention has been diverted from Ukraine by the devastating war between Israel and Hamas and related attacks on American forces in the Middle East.
The United States says it can provide aid to both countries.
“As for whether there is any competition or antagonism between US support for the defense of the country of Ukraine and the defense of the people of Israel, there is none,” the aforementioned US defense official said.
“Some things overlap, but when certain types of ammunition overlap (…), the provision of capabilities to Ukraine does not decrease,” the official added.
The United States was one of the initiators of international support for Ukraine, quickly forming a coalition and coordinating the aid of dozens of countries to Ukraine attacked by Russia.
Ukrainian backers also train Ukrainian soldiers, and the United States and other countries have imposed tough sanctions on Russia, including on financial institutions, technology imports and energy exports.
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#announced #million #dollar #aid #package #Ukraine
2024-09-07 18:11:21
What message did U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin convey to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his recent visit to Ukraine?
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin Reassures Ukraine of Long-Term Support
In a surprise visit to Ukraine on Monday, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reiterated the United States’ commitment to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. Austin’s visit aimed to ease Kiev’s concerns about potential waning support from its key ally, Washington, as Russia’s full-scale invasion continues for nearly 21 months.
A Strong Message of Support
Austin conveyed a message of long-term support to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, stating, “Today, Mr. President, I am sending you the message that the United States of America is with you, we will be with you for a long time.” This reassurance comes amid growing concerns about the future of American aid to Ukraine, with some Republican lawmakers opposing further assistance.
Aid to Ukraine: A Long-Standing Commitment
The United States has provided Ukraine with over $40 billion in aid since the beginning of the Russian invasion, including $36.6 billion in security assistance. The US has pledged to support Kyiv “as long as it takes,” but opposition from hard-line Republicans has raised doubts about the future of American aid.
Austin’s Meetings with Ukrainian Leaders
During his visit, Austin met with Ukrainian leaders, including President Zelensky, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Chief of the General Staff General Valery Zaluzhno. These meetings aimed to reiterate the US’s commitment to providing Ukraine with the security assistance it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression.
Challenges to US Support
Despite the strong message of support, the US faces challenges in maintaining its aid to Ukraine. Some Republican lawmakers have opposed further aid to Ukraine, and new aid was not included in an interim deal approved last week to avert a US government shutdown. However, US aid has not been suspended, and previously approved aid is still available, albeit at a reduced rate.
International Support for Ukraine
The United States has been a key player in international efforts to support Ukraine, forming a coalition and coordinating aid from dozens of countries. Ukrainian backers also train Ukrainian soldiers, and the US and other countries have imposed tough sanctions on Russia, including on financial institutions, technology imports, and energy exports.
Austin’s Health Issues
In an unrelated development, Austin was hospitalized for two weeks in January 2024 due to complications from cancer surgery <a href="https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2024/01/23/premiere-apparition-publique-de-lloyd-austin-le-chef-du-pentagone-depuis-son-hospitalisation62125473210.html”>[1[1[1[1[1[1[1[1][2[2[2[2[2[2[2[2].
Austin’s visit to Ukraine and his reassurance of long-term support come at a critical moment in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Despite challenges to US support, the US remains committed to providing Ukraine
Will Ukraine pay U.S. back
US Secretary of Defense to V. Zelensky: The US is with you, we will stay with you for a long time
In a recent visit to Ukraine, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reassured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that the United States is committed to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. Austin conveyed a message of long-term support, stating “Today, Mr. President, I convey to you the message that the United States of America is with you, we will stay with you for a long time” [[3]].
L. Austin: “Today, Mr. President, I convey to you the message that the United States of America is with you, we will stay with you for a long time”
Austin’s visit to Ukraine aimed to ease Kiev’s concerns that Washington’s support may be waning as Russia’s full-scale invasion continues for nearly 21 months. The United States has provided Ukraine with more than $40 billion in aid since the beginning of the Russian invasion, with $36.6 billion worth of security aid pledged to support Kyiv “as long as it takes” [[2]]. Austin emphasized the importance of
