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