Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III takes questions during a joint press conference with Ukrainian Minister of Defense Andriy Taran, Kyiv, Ukraine, Oct. 19, 2021. (Credit:  (DoD photo by Chad J. McNeeley)

By Gary Raynaldo    DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Ukrainian Minister of Defense Andrii Taran and later with President Volodymyr Zelensky Tuesday  in Kyiv.  In both meetings, the leaders affirmed the strength of the U.S.-Ukraine strategic defense partnership, and Secretary Austin pledged continued U.S. support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Euro-Atlantic aspirations, according to Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby.  Secretary of Defense Austin is traveling to Europe to reassure allies and partners of America’s commitment to their sovereignty in the face of Russian aggression.    On Tuesday in Ukraine,  the leaders discussed a range of security issues, including “Russia’s destabilizing actions”  in eastern Ukraine and in occupied Crimea as well as the “malign influence” of China in the region, Pentagon press secretary Kirby said. 

“Secretary Austin reiterated the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine’s forces through security assistance, including efforts to enhance Ukraine’s maritime capacity, and encouraged deeper regional cooperation among our Black Sea allies and partners.    Secretary Austin encouraged Ukraine to maintain progress on defense and defense industry reforms in order to advance its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.  President Zelensky and Minister Taran expressed gratitude for U.S. support and their ongoing commitment to Ukraine’s defense reform agenda.” 

Pentagon Press Secretary  John  Kirby

“U.S. support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering”  –  Defense Secretary Austin  

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III takes questions at a joint press conference with Ukrainian Minister of Defense Andriy Taran, Kyiv, Ukraine, Oct. 19, 2021. (DoD photo by Chad J. McNeeley)

“Let me underscore what President Biden said during President Zelensky’s recent visit to Washington.  U.S. support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering.  So, we again call on Russia to end its occupation of Crimea… to stop perpetuating the war in eastern Ukraine… to end its destabilizing activities in the Black Sea and along Ukraine’s borders… and to halt its persistent cyber attacks and other malign activities against the United States, and our Allies and partners.”

-U.S. Defense Secretary Austin 

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III is welcomed to Kyiv, Ukraine, Oct. 19, 2021. Austin is visiting allies in Georgia, Ukraine and Romania reaffirming U.S. support for sovereignty and territorial integrity and underscore the importance of the strategic partnerships in addressing regional and global security challenges. ((DoD photo by Chad J. McNeeley)

Since 2014, the United States has committed more than $2.5 billion to support Ukraine’s forces

“Today, the Minister and I also discussed ways to promote deeper regional cooperation among our Black Sea allies and partners to deter Russia’s destabilizing actions,”  Defense Secretary Austin said.  “In the support of these efforts the United States will continue to provide assistance to enhance the maritime capacities of not only Ukraine, but also Georgia, Romania, and Bulgaria.  We have long understood the importance of cooperation and unity among Allies and partners to deter Russian aggression.”