Pentagon chief: we cannot be calm until Ukraine is safe

Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin criticised Russia's war against Ukraine at Asia's premier security forum, the Shangri-La Dialogue. He emphasised the strength that countries gain from unity and cooperation and stated: "We cannot be calm until Ukraine is safe."

"Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine... showed everyone how dangerous our world would be if big countries could simply interfere with their peaceful neighbours with impunity," Ukrinform quoted the US Secretary as saying at a panel discussion on US leadership in the Indo-Pacific.

Greeting the heads of defence ministries and other distinguished guests in the room, the Pentagon chief said:

"One defence secretary has made a special effort to be here today. This is my good friend Oleksiy Reznikov from Ukraine... The presence of a Ukrainian minister at this forum reminds us that we cannot be at ease until Ukraine is secure."

Austin said that all states are obliged to abide by the rules of peaceful coexistence.

"Alliances and partnerships make us all stronger... Our common goals are clear: to deter aggression, strengthen rules and norms that support peaceful development and prevent conflict," the US defence secretary said.

He assured that the United States wants everyone to have unimpeded and free access to international airspace and international waters, so that every country, large or small, can fly, sail and operate where international law allows.

Washington is committed to "improving our shared position" in the Indo-Pacific, Austin said. The United States is also "deeply committed to ensuring that our allies and partners have the capabilities they need to deter aggression and preserve stability. This makes the world a safer place for everyone, Austin said.

To add: The 20th Shangri-La Dialogue will take place from 2 to 4 June. The forum will be attended by more than 600 guests from 49 countries.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported:

- On June 2, Reznikov and Austin discussed, among other things, the counter-offensive of the Ukrainian Defence Forces during a meeting at the Shangri-La Dialogue forum. This was stated by the head of the Ukrainian Defence Ministry.

- Reznikov called Austin a great friend, and the Ukrainian-American partnership a strong one.

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