Pentagon chief: war in Ukraine at critical stage, our support is vital

The US Secretary of Defense believes that Russia’s war against Ukraine is “at a critical stage”, so the West’s support plays a particularly important role.

According to European Pravda, Lloyd Austin said this on Wednesday before the fourth meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine’s defense.

“This is a critical phase of the conflict. And so, our collective support for Ukraine is vital and urgent. Russia thinks it can outlast Ukraine – and outlast us. But this is only the latest in a series of Russian blunders. We are alone in our support. We stand firm on our commitments,” the Pentagon chief emphasized.

He said that the West understood the seriousness of the military threat to Ukraine and at the same time urged not to overestimate Russia’s military power.

“Let us not forget that Putin has constantly overestimated Russia’s military prowess. And he has constantly underestimated the strength of the free people fighting to defend their homeland and the will of the international community to support them,” Austin added.

The secretary assured that the U.S. would provide all the assistance “so that Ukraine has the technology, ammunition and firepower to defend itself”.

Austin also said the new military aid package for Ukraine, which is to be announced this week, includes four more HIMARS missile systems as well as ammunition for them and for the previously transferred howitzers.

Author - Anastasiya Glotova, 21/07/2022