As the foremost security summit in Asia unfolds with leaders gathering from around the globe, the most recent participant at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore was President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine. On Sunday, he discussed with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin during the event.
“I met with US @SecDef Lloyd Austin on the margins of the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue,” Zelenskyy wrote on X, as he posted the pictures of the meeting with Austin.
“We discussed the key issues: the defense needs of our country, bolstering Ukraine’s air defense system, the F-16 coalition, and drafting of a bilateral security agreement,” he said in the post.
Zelenskyy expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Joe Biden for the crucial and unwavering support extended in the realms of defense and politics amidst the ongoing and challenging Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“I am grateful to @POTUS for making an important decision regarding defensive strikes with American weapons on the enemy territory to effectively counter Russian attempts to expand the combat zone.” “We appreciate the vital defense and political support for Ukraine from the United States,” he added.
I met with U.S. @SecDef Lloyd Austin on the margins of the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue. We discussed the key issues: the defense needs of our country, bolstering Ukraine’s air defense system, the F-16 coalition, and drafting a bilateral security agreement.
I am grateful to… pic.twitter.com/alXTbe1Nmm
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 2, 2024
The Shangri La Dialogue, renowned as a pivotal “Track One” inter-governmental security conference, is currently underway in the vibrant city-state of Singapore, spanning from May 31 to June 2. This esteemed gathering, organized annually by the distinguished International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), serves as a nexus for global leaders, experts, and policymakers to engage in critical discussions on pressing security issues.
Amid global discussions, a significant policy shift has occurred. President Biden has granted Ukraine the authority for targeted military operations in Russia, using advanced American munitions. This decision reflects changing geopolitical dynamics and complex security challenges.
Amid rising tensions due to Russian forces’ advances near Kharkiv, Ukraine can now retaliate using US-supplied weapons near the city. However, the Biden administration continues to restrict Ukraine from using its most powerful ATACMS missiles, with a range of up to 200 miles.