US Defence Secretary Predicts Ukraine Conflict Resolution Through Negotiations

In a recent meeting at Ramstein Air Base, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized that the Ukraine conflict would ultimately be resolved through negotiations but couldn't specify a timeline. He and General CQ Brown reiterated the US commitment to aiding Ukraine, noting over USD106 billion in support since 2022.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has suggested that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine will ultimately be resolved at the negotiating table, although he admitted the timing remains uncertain. 'I think eventually this conflict will be decided at a negotiation table but when that point comes it is hard to predict still,' Austin remarked following a Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on September 6.

'We are going to continue to work to put Ukraine in the best possible position' for peace talks, Austin stated. Alongside Austin, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force General CQ Brown reaffirmed the US and allied nations' commitment to supporting Ukraine during the 24th UDCG meeting, as per a statement from the US Department of Defence.

The UDCG, a coalition of around 50 nations regularly discussing Ukraine's security needs, convened for the first time in April 2022 following Austin's initiative after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 'This coalition has been indivisible in supporting Ukraine to repel Russian aggression,' Brown articulated at a press conference featuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a special guest.

In his opening remarks, Austin thanked allies and partners 'who have given Ukraine's forces the tools to defend themselves,' highlighting contributions including air defence systems, armour, artillery ammunition, and F-16 fighters. The coalition has provided Ukraine with more than USD106 billion in security assistance since February 2022, he noted.

'Putin seeks a world of empires and autocrats, a world where might makes right, a world where bullies get to invade their peaceful neighbors with impunity. And that would be profoundly dangerous for the United States and for peace-loving people everywhere,' Austin asserted. In response to a reporter's question, he stated, '...I think this war could end very quickly if Mr. Putin decided to pull his forces out of the places that he's occupied in Ukraine. I mean, this was started by Putin. It could end -- Putin could end it very quickly if he just made the simple and right decision to undo what he's done.'

(With inputs from agencies.)