MoD on 'choice' between Ukraine and Israel: U.S. made a clear statement
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin (Getty Images)
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has denied information regarding speculations about the United States choosing between Ukraine and Israel, says Illarion Pavliuk, Head of the Press and Information Department of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
This was stated during a briefing at the Military Media Center.
"It is very important that yesterday our key partner, the United States, specifically Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, practically dispelled any speculations that the U.S. supposedly has to choose between Israel and Ukraine," Pavliuk said.
He emphasized that during the meeting and negotiations, "a very clear statement was made twice that there is no question of any choice. The U.S. stands by Israel, but at the same time, they are fully committed to all their obligations to support Ukraine."
"Preliminary statements also indicated not only deep support but also excellent understanding by partners of why they support Ukraine and an understanding that this support is needed not only by Ukraine but by the civilized world and their countries as well," Pavliuk stated.
U.S. assistance to Ukraine
On October 1, the U.S. Congress passed a temporary budget bill that did not allocate additional funds for assistance to Ukraine, considering it separately.
U.S. President Joe Biden proposed allocating $106 billion, of which $60 billion is planned for assistance to Ukraine. The remaining funds are intended for assistance to Israel and ensuring U.S. security.
During his visit to Kyiv, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a new military aid package to Ukraine amounting to $100 million.
The new package includes air defense systems, artillery ammunition, anti-tank weapons, and other equipment to help Ukraine defend its territory against Russian aggression.
