Zelensky thanks Austin for easing restrictions on US weapons use

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin Sunday for recent U.S. moves to provide military assistance to Ukraine to resist the Russian invasion.

“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 the US administration's decision to authorize limited strikes with US weapons on Russian territory to effectively counter Russian attempts to expand the combat zone, according to a Ukrainian government statement.

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

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

Ukrainian defenses are currently under increased attack along the border near the northeastern city of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city. Ukraine has requested permission to use Western-supplied weapons to strike Russian bases launching air attacks in the region.

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

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

Zelensky thanked Austin for his work to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses. “This is now the most important path to protecting the lives of Ukrainians, our cities, our communities and our civilian infrastructure,” he said.