US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in Kyiv with an unannounced visit, CNN reported on October 21.
During his stay, Austin is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The discussions will focus on Ukraine’s defense needs and how the United States can continue to provide military support in the coming year.
Speaking to a small group of reporters accompanying him to Kyiv, Austin said that the visit aims to assess how the US can further assist Ukraine’s military efforts amid the ongoing war.
Later, Austin confirmed the visit on social media, stating, “I have returned to Ukraine for the fourth time as Secretary of Defense, reaffirming that the United States, alongside the international community, continues to stand by Ukraine.”
This visit shows the US’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine as it continues to defend its sovereignty against Russian aggression.
Earlier, head of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, met with a group of US Army veterans invited to Ukraine by the Ukrainian Freedom Fund.
