Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived Monday in Kyiv for an unannounced visit with Ukrainian officials to relay a message of solidarity and reinforce U.S. commitment to their struggle against Russian invaders.
The high-level discussions will focus on ensuring Ukraine’s armed forces have battlefield capabilities for winter campaigns and defend their country against future threats from Moscow, officials said.
“I’m here today to deliver an important message: the United States will continue to stand with Ukraine in their fight for freedom against Russian aggression, both now and into the future,” Mr. Austin said Monday on X.
He was accompanied on his 11-hour train trip from Poland by Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
“Delighted to welcome back to Kyiv Secretary of Defense Austin, together with (U.S. European Command) commander General Cavoli to relay our unwavering support to Ukraine in its fight for freedom,” U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink wrote on X.
Mr. Austin also spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, to discuss the latest battlefield developments in Ukraine and plans for the next Ukrainian Defense Contract Group meeting, which will be held virtually later this week, Pentagon officials said.
• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.
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