When asked by reporters what the US goal was in Ukraine, he added, “We want to see Ukraine remain a sovereign country, a democratic country able to protect its sovereign territory.”
“We want to see Russia weakened to the degree that it can’t do the kinds of things that it has done in invading Ukraine,” he said.
Austin, along with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, shared their remarks while in Poland after a visit to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv.
Austin added that Russia has already lost a lot of military capability, and a lot of its troops.
According to Austin, the US wants to see them not have the capability to very quickly reproduce those troops or military capability.
The Pentagon chief added, “We want to see the international community more united, especially NATO, and we are seeing that, and that is based upon the hard work of, number one, President Joe Biden, but also our Allies and partners who have willingly leaned into this with us as we’ve imposed sanctions and as we’ve moved very rapidly to demonstrate that we’re going to defend every inch of NATO.”
Austin praised Zelensky’s leadership as well and said, “Our deepest condolences to the president for the loss of so many civilians and, of course, the loss of those courageous troops that have done just a magnificent job of pushing back Russian forces.”
He added that the meeting was productive and their focus was “to talk about those things that would enable us to win the current fight and also build for tomorrow.”
Ukraine seeking $2B per month from US in emergency economic aid, official says Biden presses Congress on legislation to address veterans’ toxic exposures
Blinken and Austin’s visit marks the most senior US officials to visit Ukraine since Russia’s invasion began on February 24 and comes on the heels of Biden announcing the US will send Ukraine another US$800 million in military aid.
The Treasury Department separately announced Thursday US$500 million in funding to help Ukraine fund government salaries, pensions and other programs needed to keep operations afloat.
TAGS Russia-Ukraine conflict, Anthony Blinken, Lloyd Austin, Zelensky Volodymyr,
