It is important for us to act consistently and stand side by side with Ukraine - US Defense Minister Austin

He said this during the meeting, which was broadcast live on Espreso.

“We want to increase security assistance to Ukraine, in particular, last month the United States announced the provision of a battery of Patriot air defense systems, and we will also provide other armored vehicles, armored personnel carriers as part of this assistance package. Today, we want to announce a new round of US assistance to Ukraine that will help them win on the battlefield. This package is worth more than USD 2.5 billion, bringing the total US assistance to more than USD 26 billion, which is unprecedented. The new aid package will strengthen Ukraine's air defense system and battlefield defense capabilities. As part of this package, Ukraine will be provided with combat vehicles: 59 Bradley, 19 Stryker and other armored vehicles. We are also talking about artillery shells and other ammunition,” the US Secretary of Defense said. 

Lloyd Austin emphasized that the United States is determined to set an example in how to provide assistance to Ukraine.

“Together with our partners, we support Ukraine's defense capability to withstand this war. Poland is a leader in providing armored vehicles and in training Ukrainian soldiers. Our German partners have also announced that they are providing air defense systems and other weapons to Ukraine. We hope that as a result of today's meeting, assistance to Ukraine will only increase. We will discuss the current situation on the battlefield, analyze the needs for armored vehicles and heavy weapons. Today we are experiencing a very important moment, and we are also seeing Russia regrouping and recruiting new soldiers, so it is important for us to act consistently and stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. We need to increase our efforts without interruption,” Austin emphasized.

• On January 19, the Associated Press reported that the United States is finalizing the development of a large military to Ukraine, probably worth USD 2.6 billion. 

• On January 20, the White House announced a new military aid package for Ukraine worth 2.5 billion.