US says conflict in Ukraine not inevitable, door open for diplomacy with Russia
US Defence Secretary Lloyd J. Austin said on Friday that conflict in Ukraine “is not inevitable as there is still time and space for diplomacy” with Russia. “The United States, in lockstep with our allies and partners, has offered Russia a path away from crisis and toward greater security, and the Department of Defense will continue to support those diplomatic efforts,” Austin said at a press conference which he addressed along with Chief of Defence Staff General Mark Milley. Austin also said the United States remains committed to helping Ukraine defend itself through security assistance material, and since 2014, had committed more than $2.7 billion in security assistance to Ukraine. “That includes more security assistance to Ukraine in the past year, $650 million, than at any previous time. And so in December, President Biden authorized $200 million in assistance, which included additional Javelins and other anti-armor weapons, grenade launchers, large quantities of artillery and s