Moscow, Nov 20 (UNI) US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Monday that he had arrived in Kiev, adding that the United States will continue to support Ukraine.

"I just arrived in Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian leaders. I’m here today to deliver an important message – the United States will continue to stand with Ukraine in their fight for freedom against Russia’s aggression, both now and into the future," Austin wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

During the meeting with the Ukrainian top brass, Austin is expected to cover such topics as supporting Ukraine's military in the wake of the coming winter and strengthening cooperation, the US Department of Defense said.

"During his visit, Secretary Austin will engage in high-level talks with Ukrainian leadership. The discussions will focus on further bolstering the strategic partnership between the United States and Ukraine, to include ensuring Ukraine's armed forces have the battlefield capabilities they need for both the winter and to defend their country against future Russian threats," the statement read.

Later in the week, the US defense chief will host the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, the release added.

Western countries have stepped up their military and financial assistance to Ukraine and rolled out several sanctions packages against Russia after Moscow launched its military operation in Ukraine in February 2022. Moscow has condemned foreign military supplies to Ukraine. In April 2022, Russia sent a diplomatic note to all NATO countries on the issue of arms supplies to Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine will become a legitimate target for Russian strikes.

UNI/SPUTNIK GNK