President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who is on a visit to Ukraine. The U.S. delegation also included Commander of the U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe Christopher Cavoli.
The Head of State expressed gratitude to the President of the United States, his administration, both houses of Congress and the entire American people for the unwavering powerful support of Ukraine, first of all military, which is very important in the context of full-scale aggression of Russia. The leadership role of the United States in the formation of an international coalition for defense assistance to our country was emphasized.
"We are extremely grateful to President Joseph Biden. It is very important for us that the United States stands with us. We count on your support and we are proud that you are with us," he emphasized.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted the importance of the visit of the American delegation on the eve of the next meeting in the Ramstein format, which is expected to strengthen Ukraine's position on the battlefield. In this regard, he informed in detail about the current situation at the front, strategic goals and priority needs of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. He emphasized the crucial importance of continuing the uninterrupted supply of all necessary weapons and ammunition by the Allies.
The President particularly emphasized the need to boost Ukraine's capabilities in the run-up to the winter season.
The parties also discussed freedom of navigation in the Black Sea and ensuring the functioning of an alternative "grain corridor".
"It is very important that we have managed to make progress in establishing control over the Black Sea, as well as ensuring the operation of an alternative humanitarian route. This allows Ukraine to remain a guarantor of global food security," Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.