Russia will remain a threat for many years to come (VIDEO)

If Russia does not succeed in Ukraine, it will serve US interests internationally, so Washington should continue to fund Ukraine’s military.

This was stated by Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Celeste Wallander, speaking before the House Armed Services Committee.

According to her, when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, he expected an easy conquest of the neighboring state. He also hoped to move closer to his ultimate goal of undermining European security and the transatlantic alliance, she said.

“Putin’s goal is to subjugate Ukraine, deprive it of its sovereignty and independence, and to weaken and undermine Europe, America and especially, of course, the NATO alliance,” she told committee members.

The US reaction was the same as that of allies around the world who want to see the “strategic failure” of Putin’s brutal war.

“Our policy over the last two years has been that Ukraine must remain a sovereign, independent European state capable of defending itself, deterring and defeating Putin,” Wallander said. “Ukraine does this with our support every day.”

The United States must continue to fund Ukraine to provide its armed forces with the weapons systems, ammunition, and training needed to defend against Russian aggression. This has consequences far beyond Ukraine, the assistant minister said.

She said U.S. support helps strengthen the NATO alliance to protect America’s security interests in Europe.

“Our alliances in Europe provide a broader American military presence, a global presence, and defense against and deterrence against Russia,” Wallander said. “China is watching our actions in Europe because they are learning from how we deliver on our commitments to allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.” Therefore, we need to do everything to ensure that Putin fails in achieving his goal of undermining European security.”

“Ultimately, we do this to keep Americans safe at home and abroad,” she said.

Russian troops continue attacks on Ukraine. The missiles hit civilian infrastructure and cause widespread destruction in the country.

“Without additional security assistance from the United States and Europe, Ukraine’s defense and population will be devastated,” Wallander said.

“Thanks to U.S. leadership in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, we have provided more than $88 billion in security assistance to Ukraine,” she said.

According to Wallander, Russia is paying for this because Putin had to invest more than $211 billion in the war, despite the fact that the country cannot really afford such expenses. The Russian military is also suffering heavy losses.

“Russian military casualties also amounted to at least 315,000 people,” Wallander said. “However, because of Putin’s obsession, Russia will remain a security threat to Europe and the United States for years to come.”