The U.S. remains unwavering in its support for Ukraine as Russia's disregard for international norms and ongoing war of aggression continues to threaten democracies throughout the globe, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said today.
Austin underscored the imperative for countries around the globe to stand in defense of Ukraine's freedom and sovereignty in an address at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine in Kyiv, marking his fourth visit to Ukraine since taking office.
"When the largest military in Europe becomes a force of aggression, the whole continent feels the shock," Austin said in his prepared remarks. "When a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council tries to deny self-rule to more than 40 million people, the whole world feels the blow. And when a dictator puts his imperial fantasies ahead of the rights of a free people, the whole international system feels the outrage."
"That's why nations of goodwill from every corner of the planet have risen to Ukraine's defense," he said. "And that's why the United States and our allies and partners have proudly become the arsenal of Ukrainian democracy."