Pentagon Chief:  "Putin Stands Alone, But We Stand Together"

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin saidWednesday underscored the imperative for allies and partners to continue to stand behind Ukraine, as he kicked off the 17th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group virtually from the Pentagon, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.

"We remind the world of our shared commitment to support Ukraine today and for the long haul...  None of us want to live in a world where bullies like Putin can invade their peaceful neighbor with impunity," Austin said addressing the U.S.-led international coalition that has rallied behind Ukraine.

"We refuse to let the shape of global security be dictated by autocrats who rely on repression by force at home and coercion abroad," he said.

The Pentagon chief the coalition remains undeterred as Russia continues its war of aggression,

"Putin stands alone, but we stand together," he went on to add. "And we will continue to support the forces of freedom in Ukraine."

Collectively, the countries that comprise the Ukraine Defense Contact Group have committed more than $80 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Putin launched its unprovoked invasion and will remain steadfast in their support "for as long as it takes," as Austin put it.