U.S. Defense Secretary vows support for Ukraine’s fight against Russia, yet stops short of further commitments

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made a surprise visit to Kyiv on Monday, emphasizing America’s unwavering support in providing Ukraine with the necessary resources to continue its defense against Russia. However, Austin did not signal any concrete movement towards endorsing pivotal elements of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s “victory plan.”

Austin assured Ukraine that the U.S. would supply “what it needs to fight for its survival and security," during a speech at the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine. He also highlighted that the United States has provided over $58 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia escalated to a full-scale invasion in February 2022, making the U.S. Kyiv’s most robust ally.

This assistance includes a fresh $400 million military aid package, announced by the Biden administration on Monday. The package includes rocket system munitions, artillery shells, mortar systems, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons. It follows just days after U.S. officials confirmed a $425 million aid provision.

However, Zelenskyy has been pressing Western nations for further moves, such as inviting Ukraine into NATO and permitting the use of longer-range Western missiles to target key military locations within Russia. These requests, for now, have been met with cautious responses.

Ukraine is grappling with a fierce Russian offensive in the east, which is forcing Ukrainian forces to withdraw from some towns and villages. Meanwhile, a hard winter is looming as Russia continues to hammer Ukraine’s power grid infrastructure.

Notably missing from Austin’s remarks was an endorsement of Ukraine’s accession to NATO or U.S. support for deeper military strikes into Russian territory using long-range missiles. His silence may reflect broader concerns of escalating tensions between NATO and Russia, especially as upcoming U.S. elections complicate decision-making.

With the presidential election just two weeks away, American officials tread carefully. President Joe Biden has shied away from actions that could heighten direct confrontation with Russia.

“There is no magic solution. No single tool can change the course. No system alone will end Putin’s aggression," Austin remarked.

He elaborated, "But let’s be clear: the United States does not seek war with Russia."

Addressing attendees at the Diplomatic Academy, Austin said: “What’s crucial is how Ukraine defends itself, the collective strength of your military assets, and focusing on strategies that are effective.”

In a video address on Sunday evening, Zelenskyy mentioned that his ‘victory plan’ had garnered backing from France, Lithuania, several Nordic nations, and numerous other EU allies, though he did not specify all by name.

Zelenskyy acknowledged receiving “very positive signals” from Washington but stopped short of declaring full U.S. endorsement of the plan.

Analysts predict no definitive U.S. decisions on the matter will be made before the Nov. 5 election.

Russian Strikes Intensify Ukraine’s Call for Weapons

Fresh Russian missile strikes targeting Kyiv, Odesa, and Zaporizhzhia have underscored the need for Ukraine to secure further international backing, especially in the form of vital ammunition supplies required for the ongoing and grueling war of attrition.

In a missile strike on the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, two people were killed, and 15 injured, with vast damage inflicted on civilian structures, including a kindergarten and over 30 residential properties, according to regional governor Ivan Fedorov.

Additionally, Russia launched a ballistic missile strike at Kryvyi Rih, Zelenskyy’s hometown, injuring five individuals, noted city administrator Oleksandr Vilkul. He added that Kryvyi Rih had been subjected to three consecutive days of ballistic missile strikes, leaving 21 injured and numerous civilian structures damaged.

Throughout the night, Kyiv residents heard the sounds of machine guns and drone engines in the city center. Authorities reported only minor damages from falling debris across three districts.

Ukraine's air force reported that Russia unleashed three missiles and over 100 drones overnight from Sunday into Monday.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara on Monday to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation.

According to Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, discussions focused on bolstering strategic ties, defense collaboration, and addressing global food security through grain shipments from Ukraine, which pass through Turkey’s Bosphorus Strait.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to play a delicate balancing act, maintaining close ties with both Ukraine and Russia. Previously, he has offered to host a potential peace summit between the two nations.