US Defense Secretary visits Ukraine to accelerate reforms

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–This content was published on October 19, 2021 – 10:16

19 October 2021 – 10:16

(AFP)

Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin arrived in Ukraine on Tuesday to conduct negotiations on US military aid to Kiev versus Russia, an issue that infuriates Moscow.

Austin is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski and his Defense Minister Andriy Taran.

At the end of August, in the visit to Washington of the Ukrainian leader, President Joe Biden reiterated his promise to support Kiev against Russia, but was evasive on the complex issue of NATO, which Ukraine wants to join.

Zelensky then secured a pledge of $ 60 million in additional military aid, in the form of Javelin anti-tank missile devices.

On Monday, a part of this aid was delivered to Kiev. This device seeks to reinforce the army, which is facing pro-Russian separatists, seen as Russian puppets, in a conflict that started seven years ago and which has already caused more than 13,000 deaths.

During his visit to Kiev, Lloyd Austin must also address the in-depth reforms of the Ukrainian army, its military industry and the strengthening of control of this sector by civilian institutions, according to a senior US official.

“The Ukrainian government is committed to advancing these reforms,” ​​said this source. The Pentagon gives “a high priority” to the negotiations on Tuesday, he added.

Western countries have long demanded that Kiev fight corruption and seek better governance.

These reforms could lead to greater collaboration with NATO, which Ukraine wants to join, which infuriates Russia.

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