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☆ US announces $6 billion long-term military aid package for Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Haley Britzky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Friday a $6 billion long-term military aid package for Ukraine — the largest to date — which will allow the US to purchase new equipment produced by the American defense industry for the Ukrainian military. The announcement comes just days after the US announced a $1 billion package that would quickly provide equipment to Ukraine from US stocks, following President Joe Biden’s signing of a much delayed $95 billion supplemental aid package on Wednesday. Biden said moments after signing the legislation that shipments of aid to Ukraine would begin within hours. Equipment under the $6 billion package announced Friday, however, will take much longer to arrive. The USAI is intended to provide Ukraine with a long-term supply of weapons and equipment.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, ” Austin, Joe Biden’s, Biden, Austin, CQ, “ They’ve, ” Brown, Volodymyr Zelensky, ” Organizations: CNN, US, Ukraine —, Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, Joint Chiefs, Staff, Contact Locations: Ukraine, Germany, Ukrainian

☆ Pentagon Announces Additional $6 Billion in Military Aid for Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( John Ismay | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The United States will give Ukraine $6 billion to purchase military hardware directly from American defense companies, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III announced on Friday, expressing confidence that many of the weapons and munitions the country most needs will soon arrive. “This is the largest security assistance package that we’ve committed to date,” Mr. Austin told reporters at the Pentagon. It will include air-defense missiles and artillery ammunition among other offensive and defensive weaponry, he said. Mr. Austin and Gen. Charles Q. This was the 21st such monthly meeting of the group since it was formed two years ago at a U.S. air base in Ramstein, Germany, and the first to be held since President Biden signed a long-stalled foreign aid package that includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine.

Persons: Lloyd J, Austin III, ” Mr, Austin, Charles Q, Brown Jr, Biden Organizations: Ukraine, Defense, Pentagon, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Ukraine Defense Contact, NATO, United Locations: States, Ukraine, United States, Kyiv, U.S, Ramstein, Germany

☆ Lloyd Austin says US support for Ukraine remains resolute even as security aid remains stalled in Congress
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-19 | by ( Haley Britzky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Ramstein Air Base, Germany CNN —US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized Tuesday that the US “will not let Ukraine fail,” as Congress continues to delay critical funding for Ukraine aid. “So, our message today is clear: The United States will not let Ukraine fail. This coalition will not let Ukraine fail. And the free world will not let Ukraine fail.”The trip is Austin’s first official trip abroad since his prostate cancer procedure in December. “And Ukraine continues to down Russian warplanes.”The future of supplemental aid in Congress remains unclear.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, ”, Austin, Rustem Umerov, “, Russia “, ” Austin, Mike Johnson, Sen, Markwayne Mullin, Johnson, Joe Biden, Jake Sullivan Organizations: Ramstein Air Base, Germany CNN — US, Ukraine Defense Contact, Ukrainian Defense, CNN, Russia, Russian Navy, Republican, ”, Pentagon, Army Locations: Germany, Ukraine, United States, Russia, Europe, “, Oklahoma

☆ Ukraine war live updates: 13 Russian missiles shot down as Kyiv comes under fire; Zelenskyy vows to 'clear the Black Sea'
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Jenni Reid | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday said Washington would continue to support Ukraine, amid uncertainty over whether the House of Representatives will pass a bill to provide Kyiv with $61 billion worth of aid. And America will continue to support Ukraine's principled fight against Putin's imperial aggression," Austin said. Austin was speaking virtually at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which was formed in April 2022 to coordinate support for Ukraine and discuss developments in the war. It comes as tensions over funding for further aid for Ukraine have reached boiling point in the U.S., with various Republican lawmakers opposing a bill that would provide monetary support to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. Austin also said supporting Ukraine was central to national security interests and that the outcome of the war would "define global security for decades."

Persons: Lloyd Austin, Austin, Sophie Kiderlin Organizations: Defense, Wednesday, Ukraine Defense Contact Locations: Washington, Ukraine, United States, America, U.S, Israel, Taiwan

☆ Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is released from hospital and resumes duties
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Zoë Richards | Mosheh Gains | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin takes questions during a press conference at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 1, 2024. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was released from the hospital Tuesday after he was admitted to a critical care unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center this week following hospitalization for a bladder issue. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was released from the hospital Tuesday after he was admitted to a critical care unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center this week following hospitalization for a bladder issue. The Defense Department said in a news release that Austin was released from the hospital in Washington in consultation with medical staff members at about 3:30 p.m. Austin had transferred his duties to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks on Sunday, the day he was hospitalized.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, Austin, Sabrina Singh, John Maddox, Walter Reed's, Gregory Chesnut, Kathleen Hicks, Hicks Organizations: US, Pentagon, Washington , D.C, Walter Reed National Military Medical, The Defense Department, NATO, Ukraine Defense Contact, Joint Chiefs, Staff, White, American, Armed Locations: Washington ,, Washington, Brussels, Ukraine

☆ Austin, Speaking by Video, Reiterates U.S. Support for Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Matthew Mpoke Bigg | More About Matthew Mpoke Bigg | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III, speaking by video, told defense ministers meeting in Brussels that the United States would maintain its support for Ukraine, but he made no mention of a multibillion-dollar aid package that has yet to gain Congressional approval. Mr. Austin delivered his remarks in a five-minute address via video link to a meeting of some 50 countries from the U.S.-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which marshals military aid for the country. “We will continue to dig deep to provide Ukraine with both short-term and long-term support,” said Mr. Austin, who had canceled his trip to Brussels because of health issues. Seated behind a desk with the flags of the United States and Ukraine behind him, he added: “The countries of this coalition, including the United States, support Ukraine because it’s the right thing to do and because it is in our core national security interests.”Almost two years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Ukraine faces what military analysts say is likely to be a difficult year, with Moscow attempting advances on the battlefield and without an immediate infusion of aid from Washington, its biggest donor.

Persons: Lloyd J, Austin III, Austin, ” Organizations: Ukraine Defense Contact Locations: Brussels, United States, Ukraine, U.S, Russia, Moscow, Washington

In his opening remarks to the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a regular gathering of about 50 member countries that coordinate military support for Ukraine, Austin said Wednesday he’d intended to be with the group in person, “but I had to return to the hospital for non-surgical procedures." Austin was released from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Monday after being treated for a bladder issue. The Pentagon has been out of funds to send weapons and ammunition to Ukraine since December. Since then European allies have continued to send some support but the loss of regular shipments of ammunition to Ukraine is having an impact. The Pentagon has argued that the Ukraine and Israel funding package is also good for the U.S. economy.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, Austin, he’d, Mike Johnson, Joe Biden’s Organizations: WASHINGTON, Ukraine Defense Contact, Ukraine, Walter Reed National Military Medical, Pentagon, West Bank Locations: Ukraine, Kyiv, Russia, Israel, U.S, Taiwan, China, Gaza

☆ Lloyd Austin: Defense Secretary expected to be released from hospital later on Tuesday, Pentagon says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Haley Britzky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to be released from hospital later on Tuesday after being treated for a bladder issue, Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh said. “Secretary Austin is still at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and is in good condition. Deputy Secretary (Kathleen) Hicks continues to retain the functions and duties of the Secretary of Defense at this time. However, we anticipate Secretary Austin will be released from the hospital later today,” Singh said. Singh added that the bladder issue that hospitalized Austin on Sunday was not related to the prostate cancer diagnosis he received in December.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, Sabrina Singh, Austin, Kathleen, Hicks, ” Singh, Singh, “, ” Austin, Joe Biden, Biden Organizations: CNN, US, Pentagon, “, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Defense, Contact, White, American

☆ Defense secretary expected to return to Pentagon Monday after nearly a month away
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-26 | by ( Oren Liebermann | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to return to the Pentagon Monday after nearly a month away and host NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, according to a defense official. Doctors at the hospital released a statement saying he is recovering well and is expected to make a full recovery. Republicans have been highly critical of how the Pentagon handled Austin’s illness and the House Armed Services Committee has called on the defense secretary to testify next month about the failure to notify key government leaders. From the hospital, Austin authorized the first round of strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen and spoke daily with senior Pentagon officials. Asked if Austin would take questions from the media upon his return to the Pentagon, press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder demurred.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, Jens Stoltenberg, Austin, ”, Joe Biden, Biden, Jeff Zients, Zients, Austin’s, Kelly Magsamen, Pat Ryder demurred, Ryder, Betsy Klein Organizations: CNN —, Pentagon, NATO, Walter Reed National Military Medical, Walter Reed Medical, Republicans, House Armed, White, The Associated Press, CNN, White House, Defense Department, Ukraine Defense Contact Locations: New, Yemen, Ukraine

☆ White House stands by Defense Secretary Austin as bipartisan furor grows over secret ICU stay
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-08 | by ( Rebecca Picciotto | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said there are no plans other "than for Secretary Austin to stay in the job." He remains focused on conducting his duties as Secretary of Defense in defense of our nation." The Pentagon's lawyers were examining whether any laws were broken when Austin failed to report his medical condition. Austin's secret hospitalization came during a week when the U.S. was weighing several notable national security matters, including military action in the Middle East. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday that Biden maintains "complete confidence" in Austin.

Persons: Defense Lloyd Austin, Lloyd Austin, John Kirby, Austin, Elise Stefanik, Pat Ryder, Kirby, Staff Kelly Magsamen, Jake Sullivan, Kathleen Hicks, Jan, Joe Biden, Biden, Mike Rogers, Adam Smith, Sen, Jack Reed, Reed, Karine Jean, Pierre, Monday Organizations: Defense, Ukraine Defense Contact, Ramstein Air Base, White, National Security, Walter Reed National Military Medical, Congressional, Republican, Republicans, Pentagon, Staff, NSC, National, House, House Armed Services, Armed Services, Department, Department of Defense Locations: Ukraine, Ramstein, Miesenbach, Germany, Austin, U.S, Baghdad, Iran

☆ Defense secretary Austin arrives in Kyiv in surprise visit meant to reemphasize support for Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-20 | by ( Haley Britzky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in Kyiv on Monday, in a surprise trip to Ukraine to reemphasize the US’ support for the embattled country amid other pressing challenges abroad. “The message that I bring you today, Mr. President, is the United States of America is with you,” Austin told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. What happened here in Ukraine – that not only matters to Ukraine but it matters to the rest of the world. A senior defense official said Austin intended to speak with Ukrainians about their requirements for security assistance. There’s probably nothing more important than that.”Austin’s trip comes just days before he will host the 17th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, virtually from the Pentagon.

Persons: Defense Lloyd Austin, ” Austin, Volodymyr Zelensky, “, Austin, Ukraine’s, Israel’s, Sabrina Singh, ” Organizations: CNN, Defense, Defense Department, Hamas, Pentagon, Ukraine, Embassy Kyiv, Ukraine Defense Contact Group Locations: Kyiv, Ukraine, United States, America, United States of America, ”, Russia

☆ Zelenskiy says Ukraine, US will hold military industry conference next month
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addresses a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group ahead of a two-day NATO Defense Ministers Council at the alliance headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, October 11, 2023. Olivier Matthys/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsNov 17 (Reuters) - Ukraine and the United States will hold a military industry conference in December, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Friday. "During my visit to Washington, President Biden and I agreed on specific steps we can take together. In October, Ukraine set up a joint defence venture with German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall AG (RHMG.DE) to service and repair Western weapons. In September, it hosted an international defence industry forum with more than 250 Western weapons producers.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Olivier Matthys, Kiyv, Zelenskiy, Biden, Yuliia Dysa, Louise Heavens, Heavens Organizations: Ukraine Defense Contact, NATO Defense, Ukrainian, Rheinmetall AG, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, Brussels, Belgium, United States, Kyiv, Washington

☆ Ukrainian president Zelenskiy's interview comments
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addresses a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group ahead of a two-day NATO Defense Ministers Council at the alliance headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, October 11, 2023. Olivier Matthys/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsNov 8 (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy spoke at the Reuters NEXT conference in New York in an interview by video link on Wednesday. Of course, we need it to become member of the EU, but we do it for us, we need it." We don’t need to surprise everybody in the world, we need this for ourselves." WAR ENDING"Why do you think the country in war, the country which has been attacked, should be ready for compromise?

Persons: Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Olivier Matthys, Yuliia Dysa, Alison Williams Organizations: Ukraine Defense Contact, NATO Defense, Reuters NEXT, Reuters, reuters, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, Brussels, Belgium, New York

As tensions soar over the Israel-Hamas conflict, U.S. and coalition troops have been attacked at least 19 times in Iraq and in Syria by Iran-backed forces in the past week. The targets were weapons and munitions storage facilities, the official added, speaking late on Thursday to reporters in Washington. The United States has occasionally carried out retaliatory strikes against Iranian-backed forces in the region after they attack American forces. In March, the U.S. military carried out multiple air strikes in Syria against Iran-aligned groups that it blamed for a drone attack that killed an American contractor. There is growing concern that the Israel-Hamas conflict could spread through the Middle East and turn U.S. troops at isolated bases into targets.

Persons: Defense Lloyd Austin III, Olivier Matthys, Lloyd Austin, Joe Biden, Austin, Abu Kamal, Biden, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Asad, Idrees Ali, Phil Stewart, Jamie Freed, Michael Perry Organizations: Defense, Ukraine Defense Contact, NATO Defense, Rights, U.S, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Pentagon, . Defense, United, Iranian, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, Brussels, Belgium, Syria, Iraq, Israel, U.S, Iran, Iranian, Syrian, Washington, United States, Tehran, State, East, Yemen

☆ Zelenskiy says US bipartisan support encourages Ukrainian nation and troops
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addresses a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group ahead of a two-day NATO Defense Ministers Council at the alliance headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, October 11, 2023. Olivier Matthys/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsKYIV, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Bipartisan support from the United States is "incredibly encouraging" for Ukraine and its troops, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said following a phone call with U.S. President Joe Biden. The U.S. has been the largest single source of assistance to Kyiv since Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. "The unwavering bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States is incredibly encouraging for all of our warriors and for our entire nation," Zelenskiy wrote on Friday on X, formerly known as Twitter. "America’s investment in Ukraine’s defense will ensure long-term security for all of Europe and the world," he said.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Olivier Matthys, Joe Biden, Biden, Zelenskiy, Max Hunder, Timothy Organizations: Ukraine Defense Contact, NATO Defense, Rights, U.S, Kyiv, Ukraine, Timothy Heritage, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, Brussels, Belgium, United States, Zelenskiy, Israel, U.S, Kyiv, Russia, Europe

This is a critical moment for Ukraine, especially as international fatigue starts to set in and the world’s attention shifts to the Middle East. “These days, our attention is focused on the Middle East,” Zelensky told the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in a video address on Monday. Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty ImagesZelensky delivered a similar message to the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, led by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, on Wednesday. The Ukrainian president acknowledged Russia was putting up some stiff resistance to Kyiv’s counteroffensive but said his country remained on the offensive. Despite Austin’s vow of support for Ukraine, the new package was one of the smallest provided by the United States.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelensky, Jens Stoltenberg, “, ” Zelensky, Zelensky, ”, Ali Jadallah, shockwaves, Anna Voitenko, Joe Biden, Biden, Ronaldo Schemidt, Defense Lloyd Austin, Putin, ” Austin, Austin’s Organizations: CNN, NATO, Ukraine Defense Contact, Getty, Israel Saturday, Ukraine’s General Staff, NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Reuters, US, Defense, Terrorists, Hamas Locations: Brussels, Belgian, Ukraine, Ukrainian, Israel, Russia, Kyiv, It’s, Gaza City, Gaza, Anadolu, Hroza, “, Moscow, Europe, Washington —, United States, Donetsk region, Bucha, AFP, Washington

[1/4] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg walk on the day of a NATO Defence Ministers' meeting at the Alliance's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium October 11, 2023. On his first visit to NATO HQ since Russia's full-scale invasion in February last year, Zelenskiy said the coming cold months would be one of Ukraine's biggest challenges. Standing alongside Zelenskiy, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Russian President Vladimir Putin was "preparing once again to use winter as a weapon of war" by attacking energy infrastructure in Ukraine. "We need to prevent that, with more advanced and increased capabilities for air defence, we can make a big difference," Stoltenberg said. NATO defence ministers were to sit down with their Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov in the NATO-Ukraine Council, established at the alliance's Vilnius summit in July.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelenskiy, NATO Jens Stoltenberg, Johanna Geron, Putin, Zelenskiy, Jens Stoltenberg, Vladimir Putin, Stoltenberg, Lloyd Austin, Charles Q, Brown, Alexander De Croo, Rustem, Yoav Gallant, Marine Strauss, Andrew Gray, Idrees Ali, Sabine Siebold, Benoit Van Overstraeten, Andrew Cawthorne Organizations: NATO, NATO Defence Ministers, REUTERS, Ukraine Defense Contact, Zelenskiy, Diplomats, Lloyd Austin and Air Force, U.S, U.S . Congress, Belgian, Ukraine Council, Israeli, Thomson Locations: Brussels, Belgium, BRUSSELS, Ukraine, U.S, Washington, Kyiv, NATO, Vilnius, Finland, Estonia

☆ Ukraine's Zelenskiy is paying a visit to Belgium
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( Marine Strauss | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/4] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg walk on the day of a NATO Defence Ministers' meeting at the Alliance's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium October 11, 2023. REUTERS/Johanna Geron Acquire Licensing RightsBRUSSELS, Oct 10 (Reuters) - Ukraine's Zelenskiy is in Belgium this Wednesday, Belgian media reported, where a meeting of NATO defence ministers is taking place. After Spain, Belgium will hold the European Union's rotating presidency for six months starting Jan 1 2024. Zelenskiy came to Brussels after a visit to Romania, where he called for steps to ensure Russia does not turn the Black Sea into a "dead zone" for shipping after Moscow quit a deal allowing safe Ukrainian grain exports. Reporting by Marine Strauss, Andrew Gray; Editing by Benoit Van OverstraetenOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelenskiy, NATO Jens Stoltenberg, Johanna Geron, Rustem Umerov, Yoav Gallant, Jens Stoltenberg, Lloyd Austin, Charles Q, Brown, Zelenskiy, Marine Strauss, Andrew Gray, Benoit Van Overstraeten Organizations: NATO, NATO Defence Ministers, REUTERS, Rights, Ukrainian, Kyiv, Israeli, Contact, Diplomats, Lloyd Austin and Air Force, U.S, U.S . Congress, Moscow, Thomson Locations: Brussels, Belgium, Rights BRUSSELS, Belgian, Ukraine, Vilnius, Finland, Estonia, Israel, Spain, Washington, Kyiv, Romania, Russia

☆ Ukraine war live updates: Russia and Saudi Arabia set to meet as Middle East crisis rattles oil markets
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( Holly Ellyatt | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Oil-producing giants Russia and Saudi Arabia are set to meet in Moscow Wednesday to discuss the oil market situation amid ongoing violence and geopolitical uncertainty between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas. Expect a flurry of international diplomacy in Europe today as allies meet to discuss the war, oil market stability and Israel. NATO defense ministers are due to meet in Brussels, as are Zelenskyy and officials from 54 nations supporting Ukraine as part of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. The meeting comes amid signs of flagging support for continuing military aid Ukraine as the war drags on to its 19th month. The nascent war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas is also a distraction for Western leaders hoping to avoid a wider and more destabilizing Middle Eastern conflict.

Persons: Volodymyr Zelenskyy Organizations: Russia, Hamas, Western, NATO, Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Air Locations: Saudi Arabia, Moscow, Israel, Palestinian, Europe, Gaza, Belgium, Brussels, Ukraine

President Joe Biden reaffirmed his “unshakeable” commitment to defending Israel on Wednesday as concerns mount over the potential for nearby countries and militant groups to take advantage of the chaotic situation and broaden the conflict. And the horrors of Hamas’ Saturday attack continue to unfold, with reports of children found butchered in a kibbutz. As it stands, at least 1,200 people have been killed in Israel, including at least 22 Americans. He said that the U.S. is well equipped to support Israel while also continuing to aid Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia. “We will stand firmly with Israel as we continue to support Ukraine.”

Persons: Joe Biden, ” Biden, ”, “, It’s, Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu, Kevin McCarthy, Steve Scalise, he’ll, Defense Lloyd Austin, Austin, Jake Sullivan, “ We’ve, they’ve, Sullivan, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, ” Austin Organizations: Israel, Israeli, House Foreign Affairs, Iran, Republicans, Defense, Department of Defense, American, intel, Hamas, State Department, Hezbollah, White, National, Ukraine Defense Contact, Ukraine Locations: United States, Israel, Gaza, U.S, Iran, Louisiana, Lebanon, Lebanese, The U.S, Brussels, Ukraine, Russia

☆ Ukraine receives $1.15 bln grant from US under World Bank program
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Olivier Matthys/Pool via REUTERS Acquire Licensing RightsKYIV, Oct 11 (Reuters) - Ukraine received a $1.15 billion grant from the United States on Wednesday as part of the PEACE in Ukraine program, the Ukrainian finance ministry said. The PEACE (Public Expenditures for Administrative Capacity Endurance) in Ukraine project has been the World Bank's flagship financing instrument for Kyiv during Russia's war on Ukraine. "In 2023, Ukraine has already received $10.9 billion in direct budget support from the United States in the form of grants," the finance ministry said. The project aims to compensate state budget expenditures in the social and humanitarian spheres, and is not intended for security or defence, the ministry said. The U.S. government has this year allocated $10.9 billion to finance Ukraine's state budget, it said.

Persons: Defense Lloyd Austin III, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Olivier Matthys, Serhiy Marchenko, Yuliia Dysa, Timothy Organizations: Defense, Ukraine Defense Contact, NATO Defense, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, Timothy Heritage, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, Brussels, Belgium, United States, Ukrainian, U.S

☆ U.S. is sending a carrier strike group closer to Israel and will begin supplying munitions
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-08 | by ( Courtney Kube | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The U.S. military is moving an aircraft carrier strike group and military aircraft closer to Israel as a show of support, and will also begin supplying Israel with munitions and other military supplies immediately, said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Austin said Sunday afternoon that he had directed the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to go to the Eastern Mediterranean. The group includes the carrier, a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser, and four Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers. "In addition, the United States government will be rapidly providing the Israel Defense Forces with additional equipment and resources, including munitions. The U.S. is also working through plans for a possible non-combatant evacuation — helping Americans get out of Israel, according to the officials.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, Mark Milley, Austin, Gerald R, Arleigh Burke Organizations: Defense, Joint Chiefs, Staff, Ukraine Defense Contact, Pentagon, Ford Carrier Strike Group, Ticonderoga, U.S Air Force, United, Israel Defense Forces Locations: Ukraine, Washington, U.S, Israel, United States, States

☆ US readies new Ukraine arms package despite tumult in Congress
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-06 | by ( Mike Stone | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Serhiy Nayev fires an American Browning M2 machine gun during a military exercise, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv region, Ukraine September 27, 2023. Those funds have allowed the Biden administration to send Kyiv arms, supplies and munitions despite the exclusion of new Ukraine aid from a stopgap spending bill passed by the House of Representatives last weekend to prevent a government shutdown. Biden has vowed to replenish stocks of arms sent to Ukraine. The Biden administration is also considering using a State Department grant program to send Ukraine additional military aid, a U.S. official said. Democrats, who strongly support aid to Ukraine, insist that Congress will back continued assistance.

Persons: Ukraine Serhiy Nayev, Gleb Garanich, Biden, congressionally, Lockheed Martin, Kevin McCarthy, Mitch McConnell, Mike Stone, Rami Ayyub Organizations: Joint Forces of, Armed Forces, REUTERS, Rights, Pentagon, Kyiv, Republicans, Ukraine Defense Contact, of Defense, General Dynamics, State Department, U.S, Republican, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, American, Kyiv region, Brussels, U.S

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urged allied defense leaders Tuesday to “dig deep" and provide more air defense systems for Ukraine, to help the country block increasing barrages of Russian missiles. “Air defense is saving lives,” Austin said as he opened the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein air base in Germany. “So I urge this group to continue to dig deep on ground-based air defense for Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian leaders have repeatedly pushed for the longer-distance weapons. The Ramstein meeting also marks Milley's final session as U.S. joint chiefs chairman.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, ” Austin, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Bill Blair, Austin, Joe Biden, Kevin McCarthy, “, —, Mark Milley, Milley, Rob Bauer Organizations: RAMSTEIN AIR, —, Ukraine Defense Contact, Ramstein, enrage, The Army Tactical Missile, Abrams, U.S . Defense, Washington , D.C, Republican, Nations, ” Military, Joint Chiefs of Staff, NATO Locations: Germany, Ukraine, U.S, enrage Moscow, Europe, Washington ,, Netherlands, Ramstein

From there, Milley will attend the monthly meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Germany on Tuesday. That group, led by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, is the main international forum for drumming up military support for Ukraine. But American lawmakers are increasingly divided over providing additional assistance for Ukraine as the war is well into its second year. President Joe Biden has proposed a package of $13.1 billion more in military aid and $8.5 billion for humanitarian support. Milley said the group will include defense chiefs from Britain, Norway, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, France, Denmark, Canada, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

Persons: Mark Milley, Kim Jong Un, Vladimir Putin, ” Milley, Kim, Milley, Lloyd Austin, Rob Bauer, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelenskyy Organizations: American, NATO, U.S . Army, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Ukraine Defense Contact Group, U.S . Defense, NATO Military Committee, U.S, Congress, Conservative Republicans, White House, Capitol, General, Global Locations: OSLO, Norway, North Korea, Ukraine, Russia, North, Russian, Moscow, Holmenkollen, Oslo, Germany, Netherlands, United States, Washington, U.S, China, Beijing, Taiwan, Britain, Italy, France, Denmark, Canada, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand, Japan

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