Source: Austin on social network X, "European Truth"
Details: It is noted that Austin arrived in Kyiv as the future of U.S. aid to Ukraine "depends on the inevitable presidential elections in the U.S., while Russia continues to achieve small but steady successes on the front."
Direct quote from Austin: "I am returning to Ukraine for the fourth time as Secretary of Defense, demonstrating that the U.S. along with the international community continues to support Ukraine."
Details: According to journalists, Austin plans to meet in Kyiv with President Volodymyr Zelensky and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to discuss Ukraine's needs for armaments and how the U.S. can continue to support Ukrainian Defense Forces over the next year.
"The minister's visit will also be an opportunity for him to 'step back' and look at the 'arc' of U.S.-Ukraine relations over the past two and a half years of war," said a senior defense official.
Background:
- Recently, U.S. President Joe Biden visited Berlin to discuss Russia's invasion of Ukraine with leaders from Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.
- It became known the day before that the U.S. is ready to provide Ukraine with up to $20 billion as part of a G7 loan, which will be repaid using profits from frozen Russian assets.