US Defense Secretary visits Ukraine ahead of presidential election

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Ukraine on October 21 to show Washington's support for Kiev just two weeks before the US presidential election.

US Secretary of Defense (left) and President of Ukraine at an event. Photo: Getty Images.

This is Mr. Austin's fourth and likely last visit to Ukraine as US Secretary of Defense. During the visit, he is said to have engaged in in-depth discussions on US efforts to help Ukraine strengthen its defenses against Russian forces. However, it will be difficult to reach an agreement on some of the demands made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, such as lifting US restrictions on the use of weapons provided by Washington to strike targets much further than Ukraine's borders. Mr. Austin affirmed that the US will continue to support Ukraine: "We have watched this fight develop over time. Every time there is a new development, we have the opportunity to meet Ukraine's needs to ensure that they are effective on the battlefield." His visit comes ahead of the November 5 US presidential election, in which former President Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, is in a tight race with Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate. Mr. Trump has repeatedly signaled that he will be more reluctant to support Ukraine, meaning that Kiev could lose significant military and financial support. Secretary Austin has reassured the Ukrainian side, saying that support remains strong from both parties in the US Congress. Meanwhile, President Zelensky last met Mr. Austin at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on October 17, where he presented his “Victory Plan.” Asked about Mr. Zelensky’s “Victory Plan” at NATO headquarters, Mr. Austin replied: “I can’t comment on his plan.” Even with billions of dollars in US military assistance, including the provision of F-16 fighter jets, Abrams tanks and other equipment, Ukraine still faces an uphill battle ahead, experts say.

Cand.com.vn

Source: https://cand.com.vn/the-gioi-24h/bo-truong-quoc-phong-my-den-ukraine-truoc-them-bau-cu-tong-thong-i747807/