This is the "staggering price" of the war for russia, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said.
In his speech at the Reagan National Defense Forum in California on December 7, Austin indicated that russia suffered at least 700,000 casualties since February 2022 as well as " squandered more than $200 billion" on the war.
Read more: 1019 Days of russia-Ukraine War – russian Casualties In Ukraine
"Rudeness is a weak imitation of strength."Eric HofferThe combat losses of the enemy from February 24, 2022 to December 8, 2024. pic.twitter.com/tnIwCtj613— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) December 8, 2024
Austin stressed the importance of resisting the Kremlin and supporting Ukraine as well as urged his successors to adhere to this policy.
Among the US successes in containing Putin, Austin pointed out that the the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format has united Ukraine's allies and provided more than $57 billion in direct security assistance to Ukraine.
"Together, we have helped Ukraine survive an all-out assault by the largest military in Europe," Austin added.
The US defense chief also emphasized that the US has managed to avoid a nuclear confrontation with russia, while NATO became stronger and more united with a more fortified eastern flank. NATO countries have also increased annual defense spending by almost $80 billion.
As Defense Express reported, the US Department of Defense issued a press release announcing another package of defense assistance to Ukraine worth almost a billion dollars (988 million) on Saturday, December 7. We also wrote Why the US $1 Billion Package for Ukraine Had Only Three Items and What’s Included
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Read more: US Provides $725 Million Aid to Ukraine Including Anti-Personnel Mines and Atypical Drones
