US organizes talks on Ukraine in Germany

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said today that Russian President Vladimir Putin “never imagined that the whole world would unite so quickly and safely behind Ukraine.” He made the remarks in Germany during a meeting with officials from more than 40 countries to further coordinate security assistance to Ukraine.

At the opening of the talks at the US air base in Germany, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the goal is to help Ukraine win the fight against Russia’s unjust attack and help Kiev in tomorrow’s challenges.

“We have a lot more to do. “Ukraine needs help to win the war today, and it will need our help when the war is over.”

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin voiced commitment that Ukraine’s allies will continue to commit to meeting Kiev’s security needs as the war with Russia enters a new phase.

“We understand the burden you have on your shoulders. You should know that we are all behind you, that is why we are gathered here – to strengthen the arsenal of Ukrainian democracy,” Austin said.

“Ukraine clearly believes it can win and so we all believe here,” said Secretary Austin, adding that the meeting reflected the world in action against the Russian attack, with more than 40 allies and partners joining the United States in sending of military aid and equipment to Ukraine worth over $ 5 billion.

The meeting follows Mr. Austin’s visit, along with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, to Kiev, the highest-level US visit since the Russian aggression in Ukraine began.

But analysts say the visit lags behind European leaders.

“Some European countries have reopened their embassies in Kiev. “In an ideal world, America should lead these efforts, instead of being the first embassy to withdraw from Ukraine, as it did before the conflict began, and the last to return,” said Dalibor Rohac of the American Enterprise Institute.

Washington announced that US diplomats will return to Ukraine this week, initially through day trips from Poland to the western Ukrainian city of Lviv.

Some analysts see this decision as an important move.

“One of the essential things that came out of this visit is the fact that the United States has shown that it is preparing to send diplomats to Ukraine. Even for a short time, sending diplomats on overnight missions, trips to establish a consulate in Lviv, are “Demonstrations of support for the Ukrainian government and people,” said Andrew Lohsen, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov today accused NATO of entering the war with Russia through Ukraine.

The Russian chief diplomat again mentioned the danger of an outbreak of a nuclear war.

“The risk is serious and potential. “It should not be underestimated”, he said.

Secretaries Blinken and Austin pledged in Kiev new $ 713 million in military aid to Ukraine and other allied and partner countries. Over $ 300 million has been earmarked for Ukraine itself, while $ 400 million in funding is for 15 other countries in Central and Eastern Europe, including the Balkans.

VOA