Austin: "Our Collective Support For Ukraine Is Vital And Urgent."

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Wednesday that Washington will send 4 additional high mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS) to Ukraine later this week.

“We will keep finding innovative ways to sustain our long-term support for the brave men and women of the Ukrainian armed forces and we will tailor our assistance to ensure that Ukraine has the technology, the ammunition and the sheer firepower to defend itself,” Austin said during his opening remarks at the 4th Ukraine Defense Contact Group.

"Our assistance is making a real difference on the ground", he added. ".... [a]s we have seen time and again over these past months of war, Ukrainian forces are frustrating Moscow’s combat objectives. And they are defending their democracy and their homeland with bravery, resolve, and valor."

According to Austin, Russia's Putin has consistently overestimated his 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."

This is a critical phase of the conflict, per Austin. "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," he added.

U.S, and its allies will "continue to provide historic levels of security assistance to help Ukraine defend itself," the secretary emphasized.

Per Austin, Ukraine has also made real gains on the ground with other equipment that members of this Contact Group have provided. For example, Ukraine has deftly employed donated Harpoon systems against Russia’s navy in the Black Sea.

"And those systems helped Ukraine reclaim Snake Island"  he said.

Alex Raufoglu

Washington D.C.