Austin on war in Ukraine: Outcome of this struggle will define global security for decades

He said this during a briefing at the Reagan National Defense Forum.

According to Austin, the Russian army has been weakened not only by Ukrainian troops but also by the work of the US leadership.

"Above all, that’s because of Ukraine’s incredibly brave troops. But Ukraine’s achievements also flow from bipartisan U.S. leadership — and from the coalition of some 50 countries that we’ve forged," Austin said.

He added that despite his isolation, Russian President Vladimir Putin now believes that he can survive the Ukrainians, but he is wrong.

"Now, Putin also thinks that he can outlast us. He believes that our coalition will splinter, that our willpower will fade, and that our democracy will just get distracted. But once again, Putin is wrong. And we must continue to be clear to the American people about the stakes in Ukraine," Austin said.

According to the U.S. Defense Secretary, Ukraine's goal is to defend its independence and sovereignty from Russian aggression. 

“The Kremlin is waging an unjust war of imperial aggression—but Ukraine is fighting a defensive war for national survival. And you can feel that urgency on the ground. And that gives Ukraine the huge strategic advantage of a just cause," the U.S. Secretary of Defense said.

According to him, Ukraine is of great importance to America and the world. And it is important for four key reasons.

• First, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin's war is a serious and direct threat to security in Europe and beyond.
• Second, Russia'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.
• And finally, Putin's war is a frontal assault on the rules-based international order.

Austin also added that the outcome of this struggle will determine global security for decades to come. And the United States has no option but to sit back.

"President Biden has laid down a clear objective: The United States seeks a free and sovereign Ukraine that can defend itself today—and deter more Russian aggression in the future," Austin said.

The official said that the United States, along with its allies, is helping Ukraine become stronger so that it can withstand any Russian aggression in the future.

"And so we are working, together with our allies and partners, to help Ukraine build a future force that can ward off more Russian malice in the years to come," Austin said.

• On November 21, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin assured Ukraine's leadership of continued U.S. support during a visit to Ukraine.