Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin promised his Ukrainian counterpart Andrei Taran help in the fight against Russia. This was reported by the American military department, TASS reports.
The Defense Minister assured Taran that the United States supports Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Also, the Pentagon “will continue to build the potential of the Ukrainian forces for more effective protection against” Russian aggression “,” – said in the message.
However, Austin pointed to the need for reforms in Ukraine's defense sector.
On February 2, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, during telephone conversations with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba, assured him of Washington's readiness to supply Kiev with lethal weapons against the backdrop of the war in Donbass. Also, the American representative confirmed the intention of the administration of US President Joe Biden to increase economic and military support for Ukraine.
In 2014, part of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions declared independence after the change of the central government in Ukraine. Kiev tried to retake the rebellious region by force, but to no avail. At the moment, the Ukrainian government does not control cities such as Donetsk, Lugansk, Gorlovka, Makeevka, Krasnodon and others.
Ukraine accuses Russia of occupying Donbass. Moscow denies such accusations.
