US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has acknowledged the successes of the Russian army in Ukraine, according to CNN. Speaking at a meeting of the contact group on Ukraine at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany, Austin stated, “As for the potential Russian breakthrough, we are indeed witnessing a number of gradual successes by the Russians.”
Austin emphasized that Ukraine and its allies are facing problems that “put the survival of the republic at stake.” CNN notes that Austin had to carefully choose his words during his speech. On one hand, he had to highlight some successes of Ukraine in order to demonstrate to the American people, and particularly to Congress, that they are seeing results from the money invested. On the other hand, Austin had to once again insist that without the assistance of the West, Kyiv will not be able to cope, and therefore, ending support is not possible.
On March 15, during an operational meeting with the Security Council, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the Russian army is “firmly holding the initiative” and “step by step” achieving its objectives. He emphasized that Russia will achieve its goals despite any “efforts of enemies and ill-wishers.”
Earlier, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu revealed the losses suffered by Ukraine since the start of the special operation.
