Pentagon head sends message to Putin at Ramstein meeting
Photo: U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (Getty Images)
During the new meeting of the contact group on Ukraine's defense in the Ramstein format, which started today, its participants sent a clear signal to the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
In particular, Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin, during the opening remarks before the Ramstein meeting, noted that for over 20 months, the people of Ukraine have demonstrated to the world the strength of a free nation resisting Putin's aggression.
"And Ukraine’s fight for freedom matters to us all. As President Biden has said, when tyrants don’t pay a price for their aggression, they continue to menace the world. None of us want to live in a world where bullies like Putin can invade their peaceful neighbors with impunity. And we refuse to let the shape of global security be dictated by autocrats who rely on repression by force at home and coercion by force abroad," Austin stated.
The U.S. Secretary of Defense emphasized that support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression is unwavering.
"Our unity sends a clear message to Putin that he cannot outlast us or prevail in a contest of wills," Austin said, reminding that the dictator, in continuing his war, is forced to seek support from Iran and North Korea.
Today starts Ramstein-17
It is worth noting that today, on November 22, a new meeting in the Ramstein format is taking place. This is the 17th meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's defense. Traditionally, it was opened by the head of the U.S. Department of Defense, Lloyd Austin.
It is expected that today, partners will discuss strengthening Ukrainian air defense and urgent needs on the front.
