The United States will continue to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom and independence.

This was announced by Ukraine’s Minister of Defense, Rustem Umerov, following talks with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, which took place in Kyiv. 

"I am sincerely grateful to the American people, the government, and especially to Mr. Austin for their unwavering support. The newly announced aid package of $400 million will provide our Defense Forces with artillery ammunition, military equipment, and weapons, significantly enhancing our defensive capabilities," said Rustem Umerov.

During the negotiations, the parties discussed the implementation of President Volodymyr Zelensky's Victory Plan, which aims for the effective achievement of Ukraine's operational and strategic goals.

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi briefed Lloyd Austin on the operational situation at the front. In addition, commanders of Ukraine’s forces provided detailed information about the current state and prospects of the Land Forces, Air Force, and Navy.

The talks also addressed opportunities for collaboration in the defense sector, specifically the potential for securing American investments in joint initiatives aimed at enhancing Ukraine's defense-industrial complex.