Pentagon vows to keep arming Kyiv amid fresh Russian assault

WASHINGTON: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin committed Monday to keeping weapons from the United States moving to Ukraine as Kyiv faces one of its toughest moments against a renewed assault by Russia.

Austin and as many as 50 defense global leaders from Europe and around the world were meeting Monday to coordinate more military aid to Ukraine, as Kyiv tries to hold off a Crimean Peninsula.

"We're meeting in a moment of challenge," he said, noting that Russia's new onslaught of Kharkiv showed why the continued commitment by the countries was vital to keep coming. Austin vowed to keep US arms moving "week after week." It's unclear how much of that has reached some of the front lines.


The US announced no new aid packages Monday, but has now provided about $50.6 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since Russia invaded in 2022.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials said Kyiv's troops still control nearly 60% of Vovchansk and are fighting house-to-house to defend the border town in northeastern Kharkiv region from Russian attacks.