Amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin sat down with Fox News’ Jennifer Griffin in Rome, Italy, to discuss the war’s trajectory and the U.S.’s role in supporting Ukraine’s defense. While Ukraine has been vocal in its demand for long-range missiles, particularly the ATACMS, to strike targets deep inside Russia, Austin defended the U.S. decision to restrict such capabilities. He emphasized that Ukraine possesses an array of effective weaponry, including drones, and argued that Russia has already moved its key assets beyond the reach of ATACMS. “They have the ability to continue to conduct long-range strikes, and they will,” Austin reasoned, “Ukraine has a lot of capability that we provided in terms of drones. They also have the ability to produce their own drones right now. They’re highly effective. As a matter of fact, we’ve seen them conduct attacks or operations that are some 400 kilometers beyond … the border and even further.”
Austin also addressed the growing concerns within the U.S. over the long-term commitment to Ukraine, particularly as elections approach. “We are a global power. We have interests all around the globe, and we’re going to need to continue to do what’s necessary to protect those interests,” Austin stated. “There’s no question in my mind that if Putin is successful, he will continue to do what he’s done. And, of course, all of the Baltic states are very concerned about, about that they rightfully feel that they would be next on the menu.”
Despite the challenges, Austin remained steadfast in his belief that Ukraine can ultimately prevail. “Ukraine absolutely can win,” he asserted. “And we define winning as Ukraine being a sovereign state that can defend its territory and deter aggression in the future.”
Austin also addressed the $100 billion in U.S. aid to Ukraine, dispelling any notion that it has negatively impacted U.S. military readiness. “Every grenade that we take out of our inventory, that’s got to be replaced by something else. Either that type of munition or something better. Now, every time that we draw capability of our inventory and we replace it with something, and those munitions, those weapons are made in the United States of America. And that means good jobs for people in a number of states in this country. And I think this is an investment that we actually benefit from.”
However, a new development in the conflict has emerged: reports of North Korean troops deployed to Russia in anticipation of potential involvement in the war against Ukraine. Austin acknowledged the intelligence reports but emphasized that the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation. “Our intelligence analysts are really looking hard at this,” Austin said. “If this is true, this is very concerning, and if it is true, it speaks to the point that Putin must be weakened to a greater extent than most people think.”
While the conflict continues, Austin’s words offer a glimpse into the U.S.’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and the ongoing efforts to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape. The outcome of the war, and the future of Ukraine, remain uncertain, but one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the world is watching closely.
