US Defense Chief in Surprise Kyiv Trip as Zelensky Pushes 'Victory Plan'

By Michael D. Carroll

Breaking News Editor

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Monday.

The visit comes hours after a Russian drone strike on the city, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to push for increased Western military support.

Austin emphasized on a post made from his X account that his fourth visit demonstrates "that the United States, alongside the international community, continues to stand by Ukraine."

FILE - U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, left, listens to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. Zelenskyy is urging Western allies to support... Andreas Arnold/dpa/AP

Ukraine is currently struggling to repel a fierce Russian offensive along the eastern front, with Zelenskyy urging Western allies to back his 'victory plan' to end the nearly three-year conflict.

More to follow