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US defense secretary Lloyd Austin warned that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has given a preview to global tyranny. Austin’s remarks stressed the importance of the international community’s support for Ukraine as the war is approaching its ninth month.
Speaking at a security forum in Canada Saturday, Austin stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine, warning that the invasion has given the international community a look into global tyranny. Austin added that Russia has broken the laws of war and added that while Washington was not going to get involved in Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s “war of choice,” there are risks of global nuclear proliferation should Russia win.
“Russian missile barrages have left innocent Ukrainians without heat, water, and electricity. We’ve seen schools attacked, children killed, hospitals bombed, centers of Ukrainian history and culture reduced to rubble,” said Austin in his remarks.
“Putin’s fellow autocrats are watching. And they could well conclude that getting nuclear weapons would give them a hunting license of their own,” said Austin. “And that could drive a dangerous spiral of nuclear proliferation.”
Austin’s remarks come at a time that could be considered an inflection point in the war. Following significant losses on the ground, Russia has ramped up its missile strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Pentagon officials said Moscow is looking to exhaust Ukraine's missile defenses to buy time to reset its forces.
The US and its allies have continued to provide Ukraine with arms and intelligence but have stopped short of directly intervening in the war.
On Saturday, the United Kingdom’s new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited Kyiv to extend his support, continuing the support given by his predecessors as well as providing a new defense package to help shoot down Russian drones.
In a statement, Sunak said the UK would be providing a new package of defense aid worth $60 million that will include anti-aircraft guns and technology such as radar to intercept drone attacks from Russia. London also said it would increase the training it provides to Ukrainian troops. Sunak added that the new package would also include humanitarian support for civilians caught in the crossfire of the war ahead of the cold winter months.
