Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom (As Delivered)
October 12, 2022
Lloyd J. Austin III Secretary of Defense
Distinguished guests, leaders from the Department of Defense and the United States Army, members of the media, and most importantly, the people of Ukraine — thank you for joining us today.
We gather here today to mark a somber moment. Eight months ago, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. For eight long months, the Ukrainian people have endured unspeakable horrors at the hands of Russian forces. They have been subjected to relentless shelling. Their cities have been reduced to rubble. Innocent civilians have been killed, raped, and tortured.
But through it all, the Ukrainian people have shown extraordinary courage and resilience. They refused to be broken. They refused to give up their freedom. And they have fought back with an unwavering determination that has inspired the world.
Today, we stand with the people of Ukraine. We stand with their brave soldiers who are fighting for their country and for the future of their children. We stand with their families who have suffered so much. And we stand with their leaders who have shown such courage and determination in the face of adversity.
The United States has been a steadfast partner to Ukraine since the beginning of this conflict. We have provided them with billions of dollars in security assistance, and we have worked with our allies and partners to impose crushing sanctions on Russia.
Our support for Ukraine is not just about helping them defend their country. It’s about defending the principles that have underpinned global security for decades. Principles like sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the right of every nation to choose its own destiny.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a blatant violation of these principles. It is an affront to the international order. And it is a threat to the security of Europe and the world.
The United States will not stand idly by while Russia tries to redraw the map of Europe by force. We are committed to helping Ukraine defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. And we will continue to work with our allies and partners to hold Russia accountable for its aggression.
We know that the road ahead will be difficult. But we are confident that Ukraine will prevail. The Ukrainian people have shown the world what they are made of. They are brave, they are resilient, and they are determined to win their freedom.
The United States stands with Ukraine. We will continue to support them in their fight for freedom, for democracy, and for a better future for their children.
Thank you, and Slava Ukraini.
Remarks by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom (As Delivered)
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