U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has given his full assurance that Washington “will get Ukraine what it needs” to continue its fight against Russia.
He made the comments during an unannounced visit to Kyiv—but did not signal any support for key elements of Volodymyr Zelensky‘s so-called “victory plan,” which the Ukrainian president has presented to other world leaders over the past week.
During his address at the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine on Monday, Austin reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to provide essential support for Ukraine’s survival and security.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, the U.S. has delivered over $58 billion in security assistance, solidifying its role as Kyiv’s principal ally.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, right, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky shake hands during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Oct. 21, 2024. Austin confirmed during an unannounced visit to Kyiv that the U.S. “will get Ukraine what it needs” to fight its war with Russia.
Press Service Of The President Of Ukraine via AP
The deal includes a new $400 million military aid package announced on Monday, featuring munitions for rocket systems, artillery, mortar systems, armored vehicles, and antitank weapons.
The announcement follows a recent commitment of $425 million in military assistance.
Zelensky has reason to be concerned if former President Donald Trump were to win the Presidential Election. Trump praised Russia‘s historic military victories last month and called for the U.S. “to get out” and end its involvement with Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Speaking at a rally in North Carolina, Trump referred to Ukraine as “demolished” and its people as “dead.”
Trump has long argued that Vladimir Putin would not have dared invade Ukraine if he had been president at the time of the invasion in February 2022. He referred to Zelensky as a “salesman” for securing U.S. financial and military assistance for Ukraine, worth over $175 billion according to the Council on Foreign Relations.
Despite the backing from the present Biden administration, Zelensky has urged Western allies to take further steps, including inviting Ukraine to join NATO and allowing the use of longer-range missiles to target Russian military installations deep within its territory.
However, the requests have met with a cautious response from allies.
As Ukraine grapples with a relentless Russian offensive along the eastern front, the situation has become increasingly dire, with Kyiv’s forces struggling to retain control over key towns and villages.
Added to this, the onset of winter looms, exacerbated by Russian strikes on the country’s power grid, posing additional challenges to Ukraine’s defense efforts.
Emergency workers clear the rubble after Russia attacked the city with guided bombs overnight in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Oct. 21, 2024. A Russian missile attack killed two people and injured 15 in the city center, regional Governor Ivan Fedorov said.
Ukrainian Emergency Service via AP
Austin’s statement notably lacked support for NATO membership or any indications that the U.S. would back more aggressive military strategies involving attacks on Russian soil.
With the U.S. presidential election approaching in just two weeks, officials are proceeding with caution.
President Joe Biden has expressed reluctance to adopt measures that could escalate tensions between NATO and Russia.
“There is no silver bullet. No single capability will turn the tide,” Austin stated, emphasizing the importance of Ukraine’s defensive strategies. “Make no mistake. The United States does not seek war with Russia.”
His comments come after former U.S. President and Republican candidate Donald Trump, told The Wall Street Journal in an interview that he had warned Putin not to go to war in Ukraine or he would “hit” Moscow.
He said in the interview: “I said, ‘Vladimir, ‘if you go after Ukraine, I am going to hit you so hard, you’re not even going to believe it. I’m going to hit you right in the middle of fricking Moscow.'”
Recent election analysis suggests Trump has made some ground over Democrat candidate Kamala Harris the past week in what remains a tightly fought contest.
The polling analytics website 538 said that for the first time since Aug. 7, its model showed the Republican nominee was the favorite to win—with a 51 percent chance of victory against 49 percent for Harris.
In a video address on Sunday, Zelensky reported that his “victory plan” had garnered backing from various European allies, including France and Lithuania.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, center right, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, center left, attend their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Oct. 21, 2024. Austin did not say if Ukraine would be invited into NATO, or give any indication the U.S. will support Ukraine becoming more aggressive in its defense with longer-range attacks on Russian soil.
Press Service Of The President Of Ukraine via AP
While he mentioned receiving “very positive signals” from the U.S., he did not claim definitive support for his plan.
The urgency for additional military support has been underscored by recent Russian missile attacks, which targeted cities including Kyiv, Odesa, and Zaporizhzhia.
A strike in Zaporizhzhia resulted in two fatalities and injuries to 15 others, causing significant damage to civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings and a kindergarten.
In Zelensky’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih, three consecutive days of missile strikes have injured a total of 21 people and damaged numerous structures.
Throughout the night, Kyiv experienced the sounds of gunfire and drone engines, with authorities reporting minor damage to civilian infrastructure from falling debris.
According to Ukraine’s air force, Russia launched three missiles and over 100 drones at Ukraine overnight.
In diplomatic developments, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Their discussions centered on enhancing strategic relations, defense collaboration, and addressing global food security through grain shipments from Ukraine that transit through Turkey’s Bosphorus Strait.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has aimed to maintain a balanced stance amid his country’s relations with both Ukraine and Russia, previously offering to host peace talks between the two nations.
This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press
