U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced details of a $400 million aid package for Ukraine during a visit to Kiev, pledging continued support just two weeks before the crucial U.S. presidential election.
Austin arrived as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged his Western allies to lift restrictions on the use of long-range weapons and demanded an immediate invitation to join NATO.
"I am pleased to announce today the commitment of a $400 million presidential package to provide your forces with additional ammunition, armored vehicles and anti-tank weapons," Austin said during a meeting with Zelensky.
The package is part of the White House's previously announced support for Ukraine, AFP reported.
In a later speech in Kiev, he advocated solidarity with Ukraine at a time when Kiev fears the prospect of a reduction in US military support if Donald Trump is elected to the White House next month.
But he did not touch on Zelensky's call to join NATO or the "victory plan" the Ukrainian leader outlined last week that seeks increased Western support to defeat Moscow's troops.
"We are facing a historic turning point," Austin said.
"We can continue to stand firm against Putin's aggression. Or we can let Putin have his way and doom our children and grandchildren to live in a much bloodier and more dangerous world," he continued.
Austin's visit came days after South Korean intelligence reported that North Korea had sent thousands of soldiers to support Moscow's war in Ukraine.
Austin called for resolve against "the specter of an aggressive Russia backed by other autocrats, from North Korea to Iran."
About 1,500 North Korean soldiers are in Russia acclimatising and are likely to head to the front line, Seoul's spy agency said, with more soldiers due to leave soon.
Ukraine is already facing heavy fighting, especially in the east, where Russian troops have been making gains over the past few weeks.
Russia is also organizing new aerial bombardments of Ukraine.
The governor of Zaporizhzhya region reported that at least three people were killed and a dozen others injured in a strike that damaged a kindergarten. | BGNES
