U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin Arrives in Ukraine

20 November, 2023 U.S. Defense Minister Lloyd Austin arrived in Kyiv on a visit. November 20, 2023.

Photo from the social media of the head of the Pentagon U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in Ukraine with a visit.

On the morning of Monday, November 20, he arrived in Kyiv by train. The U.S. Secretary of Defense announced his visit on Twitter.

In particular, the main purpose of his visit is to meet with representatives of the Ukrainian authorities. "I'm here today to deliver an important message - the United States will continue to stand with Ukraine in their fight for freedom against Russia's aggression, both now and into the future," Austin wrote on the X account.

Lloyd Austin, US Secretary of Defense, Brussels, June 15, 2022, Frame from the video

He was met at the train station in the Ukrainian capital by U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink.

A press release from the U.S. Department of Defense regarding the Pentagon Chief's visit to Ukraine states that Lloyd Austin will participate in high-level talks with the Ukrainian leadership. The talks will focus on further strengthening the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Ukraine.

They will also concern the provision of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with the capabilities on the battlefield that are needed in winter and to protect against future Russian threats. The Pentagon added that later this week, U.S. Secretary of Defense Austin will also hold the 17th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in the Ramstein format, which will be held via video conference.

Rustem Umerov and Lloyd Austin at the meeting of the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine in the Ramstein format, September 19, 2023.

Photo credits: Minister of Defense of Ukraine