Ukrainian Armed Forces continue to exert significant pressure on Russian army in winter - US Secretary of Defence

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced this at a meeting of Ramstein-7, RBC-Ukraine publiсation reports.

"We have provided Ukraine with a huge amount of winter equipment. It will be difficult for Russia to bring in the equipment they need for an active war in the winter," Austin said.

He noted that the Ramstein group played an essential role in ensuring the military potential of Ukraine. The contact group member countries also help train the Ukrainian military on how to use the equipment provided. In addition, many countries are now looking for ways to help Ukraine protect itself in the long term.

In his opinion, the Ukrainian Armed Forces will unlikely allow the enemy to hold out this winter.

"I think that the Ukrainians will continue to exert pressure. And the situation on the battlefield will change dynamically. Giving Russia rest and rearmament is a mistake. I don't believe they will allow it," the Pentagon chief added.

• On November 16, the Contact Group's seventh meeting on Ukraine's defence was held in the "Ramstein format". Defence minister Oleksii Reznikov said that the priority for Ukraine at the meeting remains the protection of the Ukrainian Sky.

• US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said that at least six countries had announced further military assistance to Ukraine on the Ramstein. We are talking about the supply of air defence systems, artillery, ammunition and winter equipment.

• Russia was defeated in each of its goals, which it set in a full-scale war against Ukraine, as stated by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of United States' staff General Mark Milley.