US Defense Secretary’s Surprise Visit to Kyiv Amid Ongoing Conflict
On Monday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made an unannounced trip to Kyiv, coinciding with a significant moment as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy advocated for his proposed “victory plan” to his Western allies. This visit came just hours after a Russian drone attack targeted the Ukrainian capital, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Austin emphasized on the social platform X that this visit demonstrates “the unwavering support of the United States, in concert with the international community, for Ukraine.”
The backdrop of Austin’s visit is marked by Ukraine’s struggles to maintain its defenses against a relentless Russian offensive along the eastern front, which has led to the gradual loss of several towns, villages, and hamlets. In this critical juncture, President Zelenskyy is actively seeking the backing of Western nations for his comprehensive strategy aimed at concluding the nearly three-year war, which has emerged as Europe’s most significant conflict since World War II, resulting in immense human suffering and loss of life on both sides, including numerous civilian casualties.
In a video address delivered on Sunday night, Zelenskyy revealed that his plan has garnered support from several key nations, including France, Lithuania, Nordic countries, and “many other allies” within the European Union, although he refrained from naming all of them. His strategy not only envisions a formal invitation for Ukraine to join NATO but also seeks authorization for the use of Western long-range missiles to target military installations in Russia—actions that have previously met with hesitation from Kyiv’s allies.
Given that the United States is Ukraine’s primary military supplier, Austin’s discussions with Ukrainian officials in Kyiv were expected to revolve around this pivotal plan. While Zelenskyy mentioned that he has received “very positive signals from the United States,” he has not yet confirmed that he has secured Washington’s full endorsement of the proposal.
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In the meantime, Russia unleashed a barrage of aggression, firing three missiles and deploying 116 Shahed drones against Ukraine overnight from Sunday to Monday, according to the Ukrainian air force. Residents in Kyiv reported hearing machine gun fire and the ominous sounds of drone engines throughout the night. Authorities confirmed that minor damage was inflicted on civilian infrastructure due to falling debris from the drones in three districts of the city.
