US defence chief promises Ukraine what it needs to fight Russia

Lloyd Austin and Volodymyr Zelensky shake hands during their meeting in Kyiv (Press Service Of The President Of Ukraine via AP)

The United States “will get Ukraine what it needs” to fight its war with Russia, defence secretary Lloyd Austin said on an unannounced visit to Kyiv, but gave no hint that Washington might endorse key planks of Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s so-called “victory plan”.

The United States will provide Ukraine with what it requires “to fight for its survival and security”, Mr Austin said in a speech at the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine.