The United States is set to announce a new $2.3 billion security assistance package for Ukraine, according to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
During a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart at the Pentagon, Austin expressed support for Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO, over two years into the ongoing conflict with Russia.
As the NATO summit approaches next week in Washington, Austin revealed that steps would be taken to pave the way for Ukraine’s NATO membership.
Ukrainian officials have been urging their allies to provide more air defense systems to counter repeated Russian missile and drone attacks.
The upcoming aid package will include anti-tank weapons and air defense interceptors, accelerating the procurement of NASAMS and Patriot missiles.
Since 2022, the United States has provided over $50 billion in military aid to Ukraine. However, concerns about the continuity of this support have surfaced, particularly if Donald Trump wins the upcoming presidential election in November.
In a contrasting development, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whose country recently assumed the EU Council presidency, urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to consider a swift ceasefire.
This proposal diverges from the stance of Ukraine and its European allies. During his visit to Kyiv, Orbán suggested a time-limited ceasefire to expedite peace talks, criticizing the slow pace of international diplomatic efforts.
While Zelensky did not directly respond to Orbán’s ceasefire proposal during a press conference, he later invited Hungary to join Ukraine’s peace efforts, effectively rejecting the immediate ceasefire request.
Zelensky has consistently opposed a truce with Russia, arguing that it would allow Moscow to strengthen its military.
Ukraine maintains that the withdrawal of Russian troops from its territory is essential for peace, while Russia demands Ukraine relinquish five regions and abandon its NATO ambitions.
Zelensky reiterated the importance of sustained military aid from Europe, highlighting the shared European priorities and the necessity of achieving a just peace in Ukraine and across the continent.
Despite Hungary’s distinct position, its government’s stance contrasts with that of other Western leaders who continue to support Ukraine militarily.
As the US prepares to bolster Ukraine’s defenses with a substantial new aid package, geopolitical dynamics within the EU highlight differing approaches to resolving the conflict.
The international community watches closely as Ukraine navigates its path towards peace and security amidst ongoing challenges.
