US Defense Secretary: russia’s war against Ukraine is “at a critical stage”

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin believes that russia's war against Ukraine is "at a critical stage," so the West's support for Kyiv plays an important role.

Austin said this on Wednesday before the start of the fourth meeting of the Contact Group on the Defense of Ukraine, EP reports.

"You know, this is a critical phase of the conflict. And so, our collective support for Ukraine is vital—and urgent.

russia thinks that it can outlast Ukraine—and outlast us. But that's just the latest in russia's string of miscalculations.

We stand united in our support. We stand firm in our commitment. And we will rise to this occasion," the head of the Pentagon emphasized.

He noted that the West understands the seriousness of the military threat that Ukraine has faced and, at the same time, called to reassess russia's military power.

"Let's also remember that putin has consistently overestimated russia's military prowess. And he has consistently underestimated the power of a free people fighting to defend their homeland and the will of the international community to stand with them," Austin added.

The minister assured that the US would provide all assistance to ensure "that Ukraine has the technology, the ammunition, and the sheer firepower to defend itself."

Austin also said that the new package of military aid to Ukraine, to be announced this week, includes four more HIMARS missile systems and ammunition for them and for previously transferred howitzers.

Read Rubryka's daily timeline of war: current news on Ukraine's defense against russia's aggression.