US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin stated on Wednesday that the US-led international coalition supporting Ukraine remains “undeterred” amid the war with Russia.
He was speaking at the 17th Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) meeting via video conference.
Austin Pledges Continued Support for Ukraine
Austin said that the countries that make up the group have contributed more than $80 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia began its unprovoked invasion in February 2022 and will continue to do so “for as long as it takes.” “We’re focused on supporting Ukraine as it continues its fight through the winter to defend its critical infrastructure,” Austin claimed.
The Defence Secretary emphasised that “through this extraordinary group of some 50 countries, we remind the world of our shared commitment to support Ukraine today and for the long haul.”
I visited Kyiv with a key message: what happens in Ukraine matters, because rules matter and sovereignty matters. pic.twitter.com/3MWJMxGPHH
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) November 21, 2023
Austin highlighted the importance of allies and partners continuing to stand for Ukraine. “None of us want to live in a world where bullies like Putin can invade their peaceful neighbour with impunity,” he asserted. “We refuse to let the shape of global security be dictated by autocrats who rely on repression by force at home and coercion abroad.”
The secretary stated that the importance of global support has been increasing as terrorist organisations and belligerent dictators strive to undermine the rules-based international order worldwide.
Austin also discusses Iran’s involvement in fueling conflict in both ongoing wars. “Both Ukraine and Israel are facing relentless foes who are out to annihilate them," he said. “And we see that Iran is fueling conflict in both Gaza and Ukraine by arming Hamas and Putin.”
“But make no mistake, the United States is fully capable of continuing our strong support for Ukraine, even as we stand with Israel in its hour of need,” Austin remarked.
Today, just a day after returning from Ukraine, I'm hosting the 17th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. Nearly 50 countries are helping Ukraine meet its immediate requirements and building up its future force. We will stand with Ukraine for the long haul. pic.twitter.com/7OChxFkraW
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) November 22, 2023
Austin’s Recent Visit to Ukraine
Austin’s meeting with the UDCG came just days after he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov on an unexpected visit to Kyiv.
Following the meeting, Austin told reporters that they talked about Ukraine's current operations and its short and long-term aims and objectives.
During his visit to Kyiv, Austin pledged $100 million in additional military help to Ukraine. The package includes High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), air defence interceptors, and anti-tank weapons.
Putin to G20 leaders: We must find way to stop ‘tragedy’ of war in Ukrainehttps://t.co/mD6h9lNiB8https://t.co/mD6h9lNiB8
— Press TV (@PressTV) November 22, 2023
Putin Calls Ukraine War Tragedy
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin told the G20 leaders on Wednesday that it was important to consider how to end “the tragedy” of the Ukrainian war.
“Yes, of course, military actions are always a tragedy,” Putin said during a virtual G20 conference convened by Indian PM Narendra Modi. “And of course, we should think about how to stop this tragedy,” Putin argued. “By the way, Russia has never refused peace talks with Ukraine.”
Putin said some leaders expressed in their speeches that they were shocked by Russia's continuous “aggression” in Ukraine. “I understand that this war, and the death of people, cannot but shock,” Putin remarked before building out Russia's position that Ukraine has persecuted civilians in eastern Ukraine.
Commenting on the war in Gaza, Putin asked, “And the extermination of the civilian population in Palestine, in the Gaza Strip today, is not shocking?”
Since February 2022, millions of Ukrainians have been displaced, hundreds of thousands of people have died, and large areas of the east and south of the country have been devastated by Russia’s special military operation.