US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen made a surprise visit to Ukraine on Monday to underscore Washington's commitment to supporting the country.

In a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Yellen stressed, "Ukraine's fight is our fight. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes."

She said that the US will disburse more than 8 billion dollars in economic support in the coming months. The US has already provided Ukraine with nearly 50 billion dollars in assistance.

Paraphrasing a speech Zelenskyy gave in Washington last December, Yellen said, "Our support is not charity. It's an investment in global security and democracy."

She added, "Now more than ever, it is vital that the world redoubles its commitment in support of Ukraine and the cause of freedom."

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy released a video message on Monday.

Regarding the Ukrainian stronghold of Bakhmut in the eastern region of Donetsk, the president stated that the situation is growing increasingly difficult.

He said, "The enemy is constantly destroying everything that can be used to protect our positions, to gain a foothold and ensure defense."

Zelenskyy noted that attacks by Iranian-made drones in the western region of Khmelnytskyi killed two people.

He said Ukraine needs modern combat aircraft to protect its entire territory from "Russian terror."

He added, "we will be able to fully protect the sky when the aviation taboo in relations with our partners is lifted."