U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a warning on Thursday, stating that NATO could be dragged into a war if Ukraine is defeated by Russian forces.
During a hearing with the Republican-led House Armed Services Committee, Austin expressed concerns about the potential consequences of a Russian victory in Ukraine, suggesting that Russian President Vladimir Putin would not cease aggressive actions if Moscow emerges victorious.
Austin’s comments came in response to inquiries about Congress’ failure to approve a $60 billion military aid package for Ukraine, as requested by President Joe Biden. Despite bipartisan support for the aid, the approval has been delayed due to partisan disputes over border security and other issues.
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Alex Wong
Austin also highlighted the vulnerability of the Baltic nations—Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia—to Putin’s expansionist ambitions. As NATO members, any attack on these countries by Russia would essentially mean a declaration of war against the entire alliance.
Regarding escalating tensions between Russia and NATO, Austin expressed concerns about possible military confrontations along the alliance’s borders with Russia. The conflict in Ukraine has raised fears of NATO involvement, with Putin’s cited concerns about NATO expansion being one of the reasons for invading Ukraine in February 2022.
Furthermore, Austin emphasized the importance of providing additional aid to Ukraine, as the country faces challenges on the battlefield due to shortages of ammunition and equipment. He emphasized the negative impact of the U.S. failing to secure more aid on the morale of Ukrainian troops and the message it sends to allies and partners.
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