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Pentagon chief pays unannounced visit to Kyiv

He last visited Ukraine in April 2022.

Pentagon chief pays unannounced visit to Kyiv
Ambassador Bridget Brink and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III
Photo: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit on 20 November.

"I just arrived in Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian leaders. I’m here today to deliver an important message – the United States will continue to stand with Ukraine in their fight for freedom against Russia’s aggression, both now and into the future," he tweeted on X.

The visit of the US secretary comes amid debates between some Republicans and Democrats over the allocation of defence aid to Ukraine.

According to the Pentagon website, he will also underscore the continued U.S. commitment to providing Ukraine with the security assistance it needs to defend itself from Russian aggression, while also discussing a long-term vision for Ukraine's future force. 

"During his visit, Secretary Austin will engage in high-level talks with Ukrainian leadership. The discussions will focus on further bolstering the strategic partnership between the United States and Ukraine, to include ensuring Ukraine's armed forces have the battlefield capabilities they need for both the winter and to defend their country against future Russian threats," the press release reads.

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