According to the department, Austin is scheduled to hold “high-level discussions” in kyiv.
“They will focus on further strengthening the strategic partnership between the United States and Ukraine, including ensuring that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have the necessary capabilities to conduct winter combat and defend the country against future Russian threats,” the statement said.
It was previously reported that Austin arrived in kyiv on an unannounced visit. The Pentagon chief himself said that he intends to convey an “important message” to the Ukrainian leaders.
The American press previously reported that the Pentagon is running out of money to buy weapons for kyiv and to replenish its own arsenals. Now the US Department of Defense has about $5 billion for Ukraine’s needs, and the fund intended to replenish its own weapons stockpile has been reduced to $1.1 billion.