Pentagon chief predicts negotiated end to Russia-Ukraine conflict

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine will be resolved through negotiations. This statement was made by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at a press conference in the Australian city of Darwin on 17 November.

After a meeting with colleagues from Australia and Japan, the Pentagon chief noted that Western countries want a prosperous future for Ukraine to be able to defend its interests.

"We want to make sure that Ukraine is in the best position to defend its interests, however it (the conflict. - Ed.) is resolved in the future. I also believe that it will eventually be resolved through negotiations," he emphasized.

Earlier, on November 16, former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed fear that if Washington forces Kiev to agree to a peaceful settlement on terms that are disadvantageous for it, discontent and mass unrest will start in the country.

Before that, on November 5, a Ukrainian army officer said that the West was no longer Ukraine's helper. According to him, they are busy with "their own problems".

The special operation to protect Donbass, the start of which Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was taken against the background of the aggravated situation in the region.