U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made a surprise visit to Kyiv, assuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Washington will continue to provide essential military aid, despite uncertainties brought by the upcoming U.S. election.
Austin’s visit comes as former President Donald Trump gains momentum in polls, leading many to worry about future U.S. support for Ukraine’s war efforts. Trump has called for the U.S. to withdraw from the conflict, describing Ukraine as “demolished” and criticizing Zelensky’s requests for more aid.
Austin announced a new $400 million military package but avoided backing Zelensky’s “victory plan,” which seeks NATO membership and long-range missile support. With the 2024 presidential race heating up, Ukraine’s future military backing may be at a crucial turning point.
