US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived today in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv , reports Reuters, emphasizing that the visit is an expression of US support for Ukraine shortly before the US presidential election on November 5, quoted by BTA.
The agency noted the uncertainty surrounding future U.S. aid to Kiev, especially given that this is Austin's fourth visit to Ukraine and likely his last as defense secretary under President Joe Biden.
Austin is expected to discuss in detail US military aid to Ukraine in the fight against Russian forces advancing in eastern Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Austin reported that Israel's promised anti-missile system THAAD (THAAD – Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense) has now been "delivered". He did not specify whether Israeli forces were already using it, but added: "We are ready to put it into action very quickly and everything is going according to our expectations." quoted Reuters.