Lloyd Austin, the US Secretary of Defence, believes that Russia's war against Ukraine is "at a critical stage", and therefore the West's support for Kyiv plays an important role.

"This is a critical phase of the conflict. And so our collective support for Ukraine is vital—and urgent. Russia thinks that it can outlast Ukraine—and outlast us. But that’s just the latest in Russia’s string of miscalculations. We stand united in our support. We stand firm in our commitment," Austin said this on Wednesday before the start of the fourth meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.

He noted that the West understands the seriousness of the military threat facing Ukraine, and at the same time urged it not to overestimate Russia's military might.

"But let’s also remember that Putin has consistently overestimated Russia’s military prowess. And he has consistently underestimated the power of a free people fighting to defend their homeland and the will of the international community to stand with them," Austin added.

The minister assured Ukraine that the US would provide every assistance "so that Ukraine has the technology, the ammunition and the sheer firepower to defend itself."

Austin also said that the new package of security assistance to Ukraine, to be announced this week, includes four more HIMARS multiple-launch rocket systems, plus ammunition for HIMARS and the howitzers previously transferred.

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