US Defense Secretary: "Russia Made Mistakes During Invasion... Facing Difficulties in Supply Logistics"

Lloyd Austin, U.S. Secretary of Defense
[Photo by Reuters]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin pointed out that Russia made several mistakes during its invasion of Ukraine, expecting to quickly seize the capital but failed, and is facing difficulties in logistics and supply.

On the 18th (local time), Secretary Austin said this in an interview with CNN during his visit to Europe. He stated, "Russia is experiencing difficulties in logistics and supply, and there is no evidence that they are effectively utilizing tactical intelligence," adding, "The integration of ground operations and airstrikes is also not smooth."

Secretary Austin also said, "There were things we expected to happen but did not actually occur," and "Russia has several real problems, and many of the assumptions they made when they started the war did not come true." In particular, he mentioned that while Russia indiscriminately bombarded some Ukrainian cities including Mariupol, their advance into the capital Kyiv (Kiyev) was blocked.

Regarding the possibility of China supporting Russia, Secretary Austin said, "It is difficult to say," refusing to speculate, but warned, "I hope China does not support Putin's ruthless actions and realizes the need to respect territorial sovereignty. If they support Russia, it will be a bad decision."

Earlier, U.S. President Joe Biden warned during a 110-minute video call with Chinese President Xi Jinping that China would face global consequences if it supports Russia.

Secretary Austin clearly expressed a negative stance on the no-fly zone that Ukraine has been continuously requesting. He said, "President Biden has made it very clear that the U.S. will not engage in combat with Russia in Ukraine," adding, "(Establishing a no-fly zone) means fighting with Russia. No one wants a conflict between two nuclear-armed countries."