U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned on Tuesday that Ukraine's survival is at risk and sought to convince allies that the United States remains committed to Kyiv, even as funding primarily meant for equipping Ukrainian forces runs low. In a press conference following the meeting, Austin stated, "Today, Ukraine's survival is at risk, and America's security is at risk," adding, "I am leaving here today fully determined to maintain the flow of U.S. security assistance and munitions; this is a matter of survival and sovereignty for Ukraine and a matter of honor and security for America."
Austin did not clarify how Washington would support Ukraine without additional funding. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has thus far refrained from calling for a vote on a bill that would provide an additional $60 billion to Ukraine, while the White House is striving to find ways to send assistance to Kyiv, which has been fighting Russian forces for over two years. Austin is chairing the monthly meeting of what is known as the Ukrainian Defense Contact Group, held at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, with about 50 allies supporting Ukraine militarily in attendance.
