Pentagon warns of direct Russia-NATO clash — RT World News
Lloyd Austin calls for additional funding for the war effort in Kiev before it is too late
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned members of the eastern North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to prepare to fight Russia, claiming that Moscow “Will not stop” After the defeat of the Kyiv forces.
Addressing a US House Armed Services Committee hearing on Thursday, Austin again urged lawmakers to approve additional funding for the war effort in Kiev, painting a bleak picture for NATO allies.
“If you're from the Baltics, you're really worried about whether you're next… And frankly, if Ukraine falls, I really think NATO will be in a fight with Russia.” The US Secretary of Defense said.
Austin went on to claim it “Other autocrats around the world will look at this and be emboldened by the fact that this happened and our failure to support democracy.”
🗣 If Ukraine falls, I really believe that NATO will be in a fight with Russia – Lloyd Austin🇷🇺 Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented on Austin’s statement: Is this a direct threat to Russia or an attempt to find an excuse for Zelensky? They're both crazy. but… pic.twitter.com/j1SDsWihwd
– Zlaty71 (@djuric_zlatko) February 29, 2024
Washington quickly became Kiev's biggest backer after Russia launched its military operation in 2022, but its $45 billion war chest has been spent and US aid has all but stopped after Ukraine's summer counteroffensive failed to yield any significant gains.
President Vladimir Zelensky reportedly warned last week that his country would do so “There is no doubt that the war is lost” Without continued American support, a new $60 billion aid package for Kiev faces a deadlock in Congress amid Republican opposition.
The US military is considering whether to withdraw the last remaining $4 billion allocated to Ukraine — even with no guarantees that lawmakers will replace the money amid a heated debate over renewing aid, several officials told CNN.
Russia has repeatedly denounced Western arms shipments to Ukraine, warning that they will only prolong the conflict and make the West a direct participant in the hostilities, and stating that all weapons provided by the West will be “Burn” On the battlefield.
