Ukrainian President Announces New U.S. Military Aid Package Following Meeting with Pentagon Chief
Following a meeting with the head of the Pentagon, Lloyd Austin, on Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine will soon receive a new military aid package from the United States. The announcement was made in the president's evening address.
"Minister of Defense of the United States, Austin, visited Ukraine. In the delegation with him was also the Supreme Allied Commander of NATO forces in Europe, Kavoli. It was a very productive conversation, and it's important, especially on the eve of the upcoming meeting in the 'Ramstein' format. Of course, we discussed the situation on the battlefield and its prospects – how we can strengthen both our defense and our movement. There is a new defense package for our country from the United States. I am grateful. In particular, there will be more artillery – ammunition that is needed right now," said Volodymyr Zelensky.
It is worth noting that the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden currently has approximately five billion dollars from the approved budget by Congress last year for military aid from American stocks.
Biden is trying to persuade the U.S. Congress to support aid for both Ukraine and Israel and approve a new aid package of 106 billion dollars, including over 61 billion dollars in funding for Ukraine.
Leaders of the U.S. Congress hope to mobilize support for additional military aid for Ukraine and Israel, as well as for the improvement of the immigration system, by Christmas.
In addition to military aid, Zelensky and Austin discussed other issues, including the situation in the Black Sea.
"Freedom of navigation is a fundamental value for the entire world, and Ukraine has proven here, in the Black Sea, that we are capable of driving the aggressor out of the waters he so eagerly wanted to make dead. I thank all the partners who help us ensure the real restoration of international law on our land and in our sea, and I am especially grateful to the United States for their unwavering leadership in support," said Volodymyr Zelensky.
The head of the Ukrainian state also expressed gratitude to the President of the United States, his administration, both houses of Congress, and the entire American people for their steadfast strong support for Ukraine, primarily military, which is crucial in the face of Russia's full-scale aggression. Zelensky highlighted the leadership role of the United States in forming an international coalition for defense assistance to our country.
As a reminder, on Monday, November 20, the head of the Pentagon, Lloyd Austin, arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit.