US provides more weapons to Ukraine, Russia says it's a 'sedative'

The new US aid package for Ukraine includes a HIMARS system.

The Kyiv Independent on November 21 quoted US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announcing an additional $100 million in security aid during his visit to Ukraine, while also pledging long-term support for Kyiv.

Specifically, the new aid package includes Stinger air defense missiles, high-mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS) with ammunition, 155 mm and 105 mm artillery shells, Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank missiles and more than 3 million rounds of small arms ammunition.

The package also includes warm clothing, spare parts and obstacle clearance ammunition. The US Department of Defense said the latest aid package uses previously authorized assistance for Ukraine that was left over from previous fiscal years.

Clash Points: Ukrainian Snipers Set Record; Israel 'Spy' on Hamas Tunnels

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the aid package and said the country needed more artillery shells. He and Secretary Austin met for several hours, with Austin assuring him that US support would not end.

"The message I bring to you today is that America is with you. We will remain with you for the long term. What happens here in Ukraine is not just a Ukrainian problem, it is a world problem . It certainly is a problem for America," said Mr. Austin.

This week, Secretary Austin is scheduled to host a virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, known as the Ramstein summit, to coordinate additional military assistance to Ukraine.

Responding to the new US aid package, TASS news agency on November 21 quoted Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov as saying that this is a "sedative" for Kyiv "on the brink of complete collapse".

“It is important for the West to realize that Russia, which is fighting for its national interests and security, cannot be defeated on the battlefield,” he wrote on the embassy's Telegram account.

In another development, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv on November 21 in an unannounced visit to reaffirm Berlin's support for Kyiv.

Ukrainian officer says US cluster munitions 'do not please the Russians'

AFP news agency reported that Mr. Pistorius arrived by train and is expected to meet his Ukrainian counterpart as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This is Mr. Pistorius's second visit to Kyiv since taking office earlier this year. In addition to the meetings, he is expected to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at Maidai Square and visit a military training center.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/my-vien-tro-them-vu-khi-cho-ukraine-nga-noi-do-la-thuoc-an-than-185231121110802983.htm