Austin outlined the reasons why Ukraine is crucial for U.S. security.
"Ukraine is important for U.S. security for four clear reasons. [Illegitimate Russian President Vladimir] Putin's war threatens the security of Europe. Putin's war challenges our NATO allies. Putin's war attacks our shared values. And Putin's war is a frontal assault on the rules-based international order that guarantees our security," said the Pentagon chief.
As reported by CNN, in his speech he "responded" to critics who claim that the U.S. is spending too much on supporting Ukraine.
"For those who think that American leadership is costly, consider the price of American retreat," Austin stated.
In the face of aggression, the cost of principle is always minimal compared to the cost of capitulation, he emphasized. "Our allies and partners understand this. And I am proud of how deeply the pro-Ukrainian coalition is digging," added the Pentagon chief.
He expressed the opinion that the Russian invasion has not gone as planned in Moscow, and Putin has yet to achieve any strategic goals.
"Not a single one. President [of Ukraine Volodymyr] Zelensky did not flee. He did not fall. And Ukraine did not fall. Instead, Russia has paid an astonishing price for Putin's imperial folly. Russian forces have suffered hundreds of thousands of casualties since February 2022," Austin emphasized.
According to him, Russia has spent over $200 billion on the full-scale war. Russian losses in just the first year of the full-scale war against Ukraine exceeded Moscow's total losses in all its wars since World War II, the Pentagon chief added, referencing data from the Center for Strategic and International Studies.