Zelensky and Austin discussed supply of F-16 fighter jets to Kyiv, strengthening of Ukraine's air defense system

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Sunday for recent US moves to provide military assistance to Ukraine in resisting the Russian invasion, DPA reports.

 

"We are very grateful to President Joe Biden and his administration for their continued assistance in the fight for our freedom and independence," Zelensky said.

 

He also expressed gratitude for a decision by the US administration to allow limited strikes with US weapons on the territory of Russia to effectively counter Russia's attempts to expand the combat zone, a Ukrainian government statement said.

 

Zelensky met Austin on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, an annual event organized in Singapore by the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).

 

Austin posted on the X messaging service: "The United States' support for Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression will never waver." He reaffirmed US commitment to maintaining a coalition of over 50 countries to help Ukraine defend its freedom.

 

Ukrainian defences are currently coming under increased attack along the border near the north-eastern city of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city. Ukraine has sought permission to use weapons supplied by the West to strike at Russian bases launching air attacks in the region.

 

Moscow has responded by warning of further escalation in the long-running conflict.

 

According to the Ukrainian government statement, the two sides discussed Ukraine's defence needs, including training and equipping new brigades. They also focused on the F-16 coalition, in particular the joint efforts needed to speed up the delivery of the fighter jets.

 

Zelensky thanked Austin for his work to bolster Ukraine's air defences. "This is the most important track now to protect the lives of Ukrainians, our cities, communities and civilian infrastructure," he said.