US Defence Secretary meets with his Ukrainian counterpart behind closed doors at Pentagon

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin has held bilateral discussions with Ukraine’s Defence Minister Rustem Umierov at the Pentagon.

Source: the Pentagon

Quote: "Before closed-door discussions began, Austin publicly reiterated U.S. support for Ukraine."

Quote from Austin: "Ukraine has taken back more than half the territory grabbed by Russia since its unprovoked invasion began in February 2022. So we will stand with Ukraine for the long haul. I'm confident that our allies and partners will be there as well."

Details: The Pentagon said today's bilateral discussion was based on conversations that took place last month in Kyiv, and included Ukraine's strategic goals for the coming year and long-term planning.

Austin also announced the 52nd drawdown of equipment from US stocks.

He noted that the package includes additional munitions for artillery and tank weapons, and ammunition for small arms.

The United States on Wednesday, 6 November,  announced the provision of a US$175 million military aid package for Ukraine.

Background: 

• The previous US$100 million military assistance package for Ukraine was announced on 20 November. It included, among other things, one HIMARS multiple launch missile system, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, 155 mm and 105 mm artillery shells.
• Joe Biden's administration still has about US$5 billion from the budget approved by Congress last year to provide military assistance for Ukraine from the US supplies.
• Democrats in the US Senate unveiled a national security package on Tuesday worth about US$111 billion, which included aid to Ukraine and Israel, as well as measures to secure the southern border with Mexico.

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