"I applaud the Ukrainians' speed of training": Austin talks about the provision of HIMARS and NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine

US Defense Minister Lloyd Austin said this at a press conference.

Austin emphasized that in the near future Ukraine will be provided with even greater armed support.

"We have already provided 12 HIMARS today, we are adding 4 more and the total will be 16 HIMARS... 2 NASAMS air defense systems will also be provided to Ukraine in the near future... We are in contact with Mr. Reznikov and the head of defense every week. We hear about the situation on the battlefield, listen to their analysis, as well as provide them with all the capabilities they need. We can provide defense systems is one issue. Another issue is training the military to use these installations properly. These are very modern systems, very accurate. So it is important to use them correctly on the battlefield", the US Defense Minister emphasized.

The US Defense Minister also expressed his admiration for the speed and diligence of Ukrainian military training.

"It is important that the Ukrainians have good training, so the training continues in various locations... I give a standing ovation to the Ukrainians who are learning very quickly how to use and maintain the operational installations that they have received", Austin said.