During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Austin said: "The message that I bring you today, Mr. President, is that the United States of America is with you."
Austin added: "We will remain with you for the long haul."
The US ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink, said the visit signalled Washington's "unwavering support to Ukraine in its fight for freedom," the Reuters news agency reported.
Zelensky said that Austin's visit was "a very important signal" for Ukraine, according to Reuters.
"We count on your support," Zelensky told Austin.
Zelensky said in a social media post that his meeting with Austin "focused on the battlefield developments: our defense, perspectives, and support."
"We also discussed Ukraine’s actions in the Black Sea and the defense of our export corridor," Zelensky said.
Austin tweeted after the talks that he was honored to meet with Zelensky in Kyiv "to reaffirm the United States’ steadfast support for Ukraine."
"We, along with our allies and partners, will continue to support Ukraine’s urgent battlefield needs and long-term defense requirements," Austin declared.
After arriving in Kyiv by train from Poland earlier in the day, Austin said: "I’m here today to deliver an important message – the United States will continue to stand with Ukraine in their fight for freedom against Russia’s aggression, both now and into the future."
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, starting the largest military conflict in Europe since World War II.
Monday is day 635 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
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Source: IAR, PAP, Reuters