WASHINGTON, November 21. /TASS/. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin recorded a video address promising long-term military aid to Ukraine, standing against the St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral, owned by the schismatic Orthodox Church of Ukraine, in downtown Kiev.

"I came to Kyiv [Monday] with an important message - the United States stands with Ukraine, and we are going to be with them for the long haul," Austin said in the caption for the video, published on his X page.

The video was filmed during nighttime, with the Cathedral’s domes visible behind Austin and with no people nearby. The Secretary claimed that he had a day of "intense discussions" with the Ukrainian leadership on November 20.

"The US is always going to be on the side of democracy as the Ukrainian continue to show frit and strength […] We’ve rallied allies and partners to stand up to Russia and to make progress toward a brighter future. Because that’s what American leadership is all about. And our resolve is stronger than ever," the Secretary said in his video address.

Additionally, he made several statements on his visit to Kiev; in particular, Austin met with the Ukrainian servicemen and assured them that the US is working with the allies to "ensure Ukraine has what it needs to succeed on the battlefield."

According to Austin, Ukrainian forces do a "marathon - not a sprint."

The US Secretary of Defense visited Kiev on November 20, where he met with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Later, Austin announced provision of a new package of military aid to Kiev worth $100 million.

According to the Ukrainian media, Austin said in Kiev that there is no weapon in the US’ arsenal that would become a magic wand for Ukraine; instead, Kiev is in for an exhausting struggle and everything will depend on how Ukraine would use weapons, provided by the West.