US pledges new support to Ukrainian offensive into Russia
US presidential drawdown packages involved
US support for Ukraine will remain steadfast as Ukrainian forces advance into Russia’s Kursk territory, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh has announced.
Singh revealed that US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin has held discussions with Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov to review and reaffirm ongoing military support to Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale, unprovoked invasion of sovereign Ukraine.
“The [US Defence] Secretary reiterated US support for Ukraine and emphasised the commitment to stay in close contact,” Singh told reporters at the Pentagon on August 19, 2024.
Singh confirmed that US support will primarily focus on security assistance, with ongoing American presidential drawdown packages designed to address Ukraine’s urgent military needs. She added that while Russian forces have moved within Ukraine, specifics on the exact locations of these movements remain unclear.
Update by Zelenskyy
In a separate development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy provided an update on Ukraine’s strategic objectives following recent advances into the Kursk region of Russia.
During his daily address on August 19, Zelenskyy reported that Ukrainian forces are making significant strides in the offensive to dismantle Russian logistical networks and deplete their reserves.
“The occupier is suffering losses, which is proving very beneficial for our defensive efforts,” Zelenskyy stated.
He underscored the importance of inflicting maximum damage on Russian positions to support Ukraine’s defence strategy.
Zelenskyy detailed that Ukrainian forces are pushing forward in Kursk and maintaining solid defensive operations in the Donbas region. He described the ongoing counteroffensive as crucial for repelling Russian forces and bolstering Ukraine’s military capabilities.
The Ukrainian President noted that the operation in Kursk is helping to “replenish the ‘exchange fund’” — a term referring to the reinvigoration of Ukrainian units with new personnel, ammunition, and supplies.
Zelenskyy also addressed the broader strategic implications of Ukraine’s actions.
‘Primary task’
“Our primary task in defensive operations is to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible and conduct maximum counteroffensive actions,” he said.
He also emphasised that creating a buffer zone within Russian territory is part of this strategy, aiming to prevent Russian forces from launching attacks into Ukraine.
Highlighting the broader context of the conflict, Zelenskyy argued that weakening the Russian military, industrial complex, and economy is essential for resolving the aggression justly.
“Everything that inflicts losses on the Russian army and state helps prevent the war from expanding and moves us closer to a just peace for Ukraine,” Zelenskyy concluded.
Featured image: US Army Gen. Darryl A. Williams, commander of US Army Europe and Africa, poses with Ukrainian soldiers training at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, in January 2024. Credit: US Army
