US Defense Secretary unexpectedly takes train to Ukraine's capital

Minister Austin arrived in Kiev by train from Poland (Photo: Reuters).

"I returned to Ukraine for the fourth time as Secretary of Defense, demonstrating that Washington, along with the international community, continues to stand with Kiev," Mr. Austin declared on the X network.

Secretary Austin traveled by train from Poland to Ukraine. On X, he also shared a photo of himself arriving in Kiev, where he was greeted by US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink.

According to a statement from the US Department of Defense, Mr. Austin came to Ukraine to meet with the country's leaders and "reaffirm US support for Ukraine's war with Russia", especially in the context of Kiev continuing to lose control of areas to Moscow's forces.

During his visit, Secretary Austin is expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and senior military leaders, engaging in in-depth discussions about US efforts to help Ukraine strengthen its defenses against Russian forces.

Among the topics discussed was Ukraine's urgent need to strengthen its air defenses to counter Russian missile and glide bomb attacks aimed at destroying the country's power grid as winter approaches.

The statement added that Secretary Austin will deliver remarks at the end of the visit, highlighting Ukraine's defense efforts in the current conflict.

Defense Secretary Austin's visit comes just two weeks before the U.S. presidential election. This is Austin's fourth and likely final visit to Ukraine as U.S. Defense Secretary.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/bo-truong-quoc-phong-my-bat-ngo-di-tau-hoa-den-thu-do-ukraine-20241021153915433.htm