"Ukraine will face significant challenges in the coming days. As Vice President [Joe] Biden stated at this academy in 2014, democracy is not a destination. Democracy is a path, a very difficult one... Ukraine has chosen the path of courage, and so have we. My friends, you are walking a tough road, but you are not walking it alone," said the Pentagon chief.
At the same time, as reported by "Interfax-Ukraine", Austin remarked that "one should never underestimate the power of a defending democracy."
The Pentagon chief added that the illegitimate president of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, believes he will win this war – "and he is mistaken."
"The United States will provide Ukraine with what it needs to fight for survival and security. Ukraine does not belong to Russia or Putin. Ukraine belongs to the Ukrainian people. And Moscow will never win in Ukraine," emphasized Austin.
He also stated that it is unacceptable to allow Putin to do whatever he wants, as this, according to Austin, would condemn future generations "to live in a much bloodier and more dangerous world."
"We must all understand that Putin's aggression is a warning. It is a preview of a world built by tyrants and thugs. A chaotic world of violence, divided into spheres of influence. A world where bullies trample on their weaker neighbors. And a world where aggressors force free people to live in fear," added the Pentagon chief.