US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin addressed the Reagan National Defense Forum, saying that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is wrong to believe that support for Ukraine will wane.
Putin hopes that the Western coalition will fall apart
Austin said that now, despite his isolation, Putin believes he can outlast the Ukrainians, but he is wrong.
The Kremlin is waging an unjust imperial aggression, but Ukraine is waging a defensive war for national survival. And you can feel that urgency on the spot. And this gives Ukraine a huge strategic advantage of a just cause. Now Putin thinks he can survive us too.
According to Austin, Putin believes that the Western coalition will fall apart, that their willpower will disappear, and that their democracy will crumble.
But Putin is wrong again. And we must continue to clearly explain to the American people about the stakes in Ukraine. Ukraine is of great importance to America and the whole world. And this is important for four key reasons.
First, Putin's war poses a severe and direct threat to security in Europe and beyond.
Secondly, Putin's aggression is a clear challenge to our NATO allies.
Third, the Kremlin's deliberate brutality is an attack on our shared values of democracy and decency.
Finally, Putin's war is a frontal assault on the rules-based international order.
Consequently, the outcome of this struggle will determine global security for decades to come.
Austin added that today, ordinary people can show extraordinary courage, precisely what he saw last week in Kyiv.
I saw a proud, bustling city in the heart of mainland Europe. And this is under the gun because of the arrogance and rage of one person. But the Ukrainian people met Putin's attack with defiance, resilience, intelligence and yes, even grace. You see it in the eyes of the troops fighting to drive out the Russian invaders. And this can be seen in the determination of the people of Kyiv. Ukraine reminds the world of the moral strength of a free people who are fighting for the protection of their sovereign territory, their democracy and their future.
The minister added that the Americans should do no less.
Austin visited Kyiv
On November 20, Austin arrived in Kyiv, where he met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to the head of the Pentagon, this is another opportunity to "confirm the steadfast support of Ukraine by the United States."
Austin also met with the Minister of Defense and the Ukrainian military.
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