“Today we are facing a challenge from authoritarian states that are trying to change the situation through threats,” said US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

He pointed out that “the United States categorically rejects the use of violence and war to invade countries”, stressing that “we are doing everything in our power to make sure Ukraine has everything it needs to achieve victory”, stressing the commitment to supporting the policy of open doors of NATO (NATO).

Yesterday, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stressed, commenting on Ukraine’s membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), that “the best way to support Kyiv is practical support on the ground in Ukraine,” stressing that “a Russian operation at the UN is the best way to support Kyiv”. Ukraine’s accession to NATO may take place not now, but at another time.

Sullivan’s comment came hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced, after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the annexation of 4 regions of Ukraine to Russia: “We have taken the plunge by signing Ukraine’s request for rapid entry into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) . ​), noting that “Ukraine has been working to strengthen its relationship with NATO, and we have begun procedures for joining the alliance, similar to Sweden and Finland.”