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 Ukrainian President at an event. Photo: Getty Images.

This is Mr. Austin’s fourth and likely final visit to Ukraine as US defense secretary. During the visit, he is expected to engage in in-depth discussions on US efforts to help Ukraine strengthen its defenses against Russian forces. However, an agreement on some of the demands made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is unlikely to be reached, such as lifting US restrictions on the use of weapons supplied by Washington to strike targets far beyond Ukraine’s borders. Mr. Austin affirmed that the US will continue to support Ukraine: “We have watched this fight evolve over time. As it evolves, 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 nominee, is in a tight race with Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee. Trump has repeatedly signaled that he will be more reluctant to support Ukraine, which could mean losing significant military and financial support for Kiev. Austin has reassured the Ukrainians, saying that support remains strong from both parties in the US Congress. Zelensky last met with Austin at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on October 17, where he presented his “Victory Plan.” Asked about Zelensky’s “Victory Plan” at NATO headquarters, 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.

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