In a news conference in Ramstein, Germany, that amounted to a swan song after his four years as defense secretary, retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin issued a clarion call for the world not to give up on Ukraine just when Russia seems to be weakening.

Even as Russia seems to have the upper hand in its invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin faces a growing number of challenges that will complicate any effort to lock in its gains, the outgoing Pentagon chief said.

Austin also announced the US would send another $500 million in security assistance to Ukraine, including missiles for fighter jets, sustainment equipment for F-16s, armored bridging systems and small

The U.S. is set to provide Ukraine an additional $500 million in weapons quickly pulled from its existing stockpiles as the Biden administration works to get Kyiv in a stronger negotiating position before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

This aid package will include "additional missiles for Ukrainian air defense, more ammunition, more air-to-ground munitions, and other equipment to support Ukraine's F-16s," according to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin used their final meeting Thursday to press the incoming Trump administration not to give up on Kyiv’s fight, with Austin warning that to cease military support now “will only invite more aggression, chaos and war.”

Biden administration announces expanded sanctions on Russia's energy sector as Trump prepares to address Ukraine conflict

With ten days left in power, the Biden administration has committed what may be the final package of security assistance it sends to Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin have urged the incoming Trump administration to maintain military support for Ukraine. Austin warned that ceasing support could lead to more aggression and chaos.