Ukraine’s FM Kuleba after meeting US Defense Sec Austin: military aid to continue
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin during a visit to the United States on Feb. 23, where the two discussed the continuation of military assistance - in particular, cooperation in air and missile defense, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.
The U.S. Defense Secretary reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and assured that the United States was ready to expand military cooperation with Ukraine.
In addition, the parties discussed practical steps to protect Ukraine, including ideas for shoring up the country’s air defenses amid the looming threat of a further Russian invasion into Ukraine.
Ukraine’s air defenses, in the event of a further Russian invasion, have been noted by various commentators as being insufficient to repel Russian air raids. In response, the United States, along with several other governments, have been providing Ukraine with anti-air weapons systems, including Stinger missile MANPADS.
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