In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (left) and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin talk during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Nov 20, 2023. (PHOTO / UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS OFFICE VIA AP)

WASHINGTON/KIEV - The United States on Monday announced an additional package of military assistance to Ukraine worth $100 million, as Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was in Kiev for a visit to reassure US support.

Included in this tranche of weapons provision were Stinger antiaircraft missiles; one High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and additional ammunition; 155mm and 105mm artillery rounds, Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) missiles; Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems; more than 3 million rounds of small arms ammunition; among other equipment, according to a release from the Department of Defense (DoD).

It marked the Joe Biden administration's 51st round of military aid to Ukraine to be provided from the DoD weapons inventories since August 2021, utilizing assistance previously authorized by Biden under the Presidential Drawdown Authority.

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The United States has provided $44.2 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since Feb 24, 2022, according to figures released by the US Department of State

Austin on Monday met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the presidential press service reported.

At the talks, Zelensky briefed Austin about the current situation at the frontline of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and informed him of Ukraine's strategic goals and priority needs.

Noting the importance of Austin's visit to Kiev ahead of the 17th Ramstein meeting, Zelensky urged the United States and other partners to continue uninterrupted supplies of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine.

Zelensky and Austin also discussed the security in the Black Sea and the functioning of the alternative Black Sea export corridor.

After the talks, Austin wrote on social media platform X that the United States and its allies will continue to support Ukraine's urgent battlefield needs and long-term defense requirements.

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The Pentagon said in a separate statement that Austin underscored "the continued US commitment to providing Ukraine with the security assistance it needs" in the ongoing conflict with Russia, "while also discussing a long-term vision for Ukraine's future force".

Later this week, Austin will host the 17th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format virtually from the Pentagon.

The United States has provided $44.2 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since Feb 24, 2022, according to figures released by the US Department of State.