US provides more weapons to Ukraine, Russia says it is '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 when he visited 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 latest package uses previously authorized assistance for Ukraine that was left over from previous fiscal years, the Defense Department said.

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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 be with you for the long term. What happens here in Ukraine is not just a problem for Ukraine, it's a problem for the world. It certainly matters 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.

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

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