The US Defence Secretary held talks with the Ukrainian leadership

On themorning of Monday, 20 November, United States Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austinarrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit. In the Ukrainian capital, he heldhigh-level talks with the Ukrainian leadership.

On his Twitter account(X), Lloyd Austin noted that the United States would continue to supportUkraine in its war against Russia.

"Ihave just arrived in Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian leaders. Today I am here todeliver an important message - the United States will continue to supportUkraine in its fight for freedom against Russian aggression, now and in thefuture," the Pentagon chief said.

Later, the Pentagon chiefnoted that he had met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and that this wasanother opportunity to "reaffirm the United States' unwavering support forUkraine".

"I washonoured to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy today in Kyiv to reaffirm theUnited States' unwavering support for Ukraine. We, along with our allies andpartners, will continue to support Ukraine's immediate battlefield andlong-term defence needs.

"Ramstein" and winter aid

During hismeeting with Lloyd Austin in Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussedpreparations for the next meeting in the Ramstein format, the situation at thefrontline, and the importance of helping Ukraine before winter.

In hisconversation with Austin, Zelenskyy stressed the importance of the allies'continuous supply of all necessary weapons and ammunition, and also stressedthe need to "strengthen Ukraine's capabilities ahead of the winterperiod," the PresidentialOffice reports.

ThePresidential Office also notes that the President of Ukraine and the Pentagonchief discussed navigation in the Black Sea and ensuring the functioning of analternative "grain corridor" after Russia's demarche.

"It isvery important that we have managed to make progress in establishing controlover the Black Sea, as well as ensuring the operation of an alternativehumanitarian route. This allows Ukraine to remain a guarantor of global foodsecurity," Zelenskyy was quoted as saying in the statement.

More shellsand artillery

In hisevening address, Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a new military aid package from the United States.

"Thereis a new defence package for our country from the United States. I am gratefulfor it. In particular, there will be more artillery - shells that are neededright now," the head of state said.

ThePresident did not specify when the new military aid package would be announced.

Meanwhile, The Pentagon has announcedanother $100 million military aid package for Ukraine.

It includes:

• Stinger anti-aircraft missiles;
• One High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and additional ammunition;
• 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds;
• Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles;
• Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems;
• More than 3 million rounds of small arms ammunition;
• Demolitions munitions for obstacle clearing;
• Cold weather gear; and
• Spare parts, maintenance, and other ancillary equipment.

Problems with US military assistance to Ukraine

Concernsabout the continuation of US military aid to Ukraine have recently increased,as debate continues in Congress.

The lasttime the United States announced that it would send another military aidpackage to Ukraine was in early November. At that time, it was about sending$125 million worth of weapons and an order for an additional $300 million.

Joe Biden'sadministration still has about $5bn of the budget approved by Congress lastyear for military aid from US stockpiles.

Biden istrying to persuade the US Congress to support aid to both Ukraine and Israeland to approve a new $106bn aid package, which includes more than $61bn infunding for Ukraine.

USCongressional leaders hope to mobilise votes for additional military aid forUkraine and Israel, as well as for immigration improvements, before Christmas.