U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin recently visited Ukraine to meet with senior Ukrainian officials and discuss the nation’s ongoing fight against Russia. During Austin’s visit, the Pentagon urged Congress to pass additional aid to Ukraine to strengthen their military in support of their anti-Russian aggression.
Mr. Austin, who was appointed by President Joe Biden in his role as the 28th U.S. Secretary of Defense, was joined for his visit to Ukraine by General John Nicholson, the Commander of U.S. forces in Europe and Africa. The purpose of their visit was to demonstrate to the Ukrainian people that the United States stands with them in their ongoing struggle against Russian aggression.
The Department of Defense has requested an additional $125 million in military aid to Ukraine, in addition to the $350 million it already receives each year in discretionary military funding from Congress. In a statement, Mr. Austin said he wants to “expand the capabilities of Ukraine’s security forces to defend their sovereign territory from continued aggression” by Russia.
To this end, the Department of Defense is urging Congress to pass a $125 million package that would provide new equipment and training to Ukrainian forces, with a focus on improving their air defenses and counter-intelligence activities. The package would also include additional funds to “improve operational cooperation” between the U.S. and Ukraine and help strengthen maritime security in the Black Sea region.
Mr. Austin also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss security plans for the country and its ongoing reform efforts. While in Ukraine, Mr. Austin paid his respects at the National War Memorial, which pays tribute to the thousands of Ukrainian soldiers killed in recent conflicts.
The United States has been a consistent supporter of Ukraine’s effort to defend itself against Russian aggression, providing more than $3 billion in assistance since Russia illegally annexed Crimea in 2014. Mr. Austin’s visit was intended to reinforce this message of support and to urge Congress to take action to ensure that Ukraine has the resources it needs to remain strong and secure in the face of Russian hostility.