Pentagon chief: Weeks and months ahead will be crucial for Ukraine
Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin (Getty Images)
The coming weeks and months will be crucial for Ukraine, and Western countries will continue to act decisively to help the country fight for its freedom, says Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin.
"Ukraine's survival and success are central to Ukrainian security, European security, global security — and American security," he said.
The Pentagon chief adds that if Russian leader Vladimir Putin prevails, tyrants will conclude that they can also try to invade and conquer their sovereign neighbors.
Austin said that this would leave Europe under Putin's shadow and make the world more violent and chaotic. Therefore, Ukraine's fight for freedom and security is important for all Western states.
"And I am more determined than ever to ensure that Ukraine has what it needs to succeed," he said.
Ramstein meeting
The United States holds another meeting in the Ramstein format on military support for Ukraine. The online meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 20.
According to the plan, about 50 countries participating in the Ramstein format will discuss Russian aggression against Ukraine and continue close cooperation to provide Ukraine with the necessary means to defend its sovereign territory.
