The US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, issued a statement expressing concern that Russia could gain an upper hand in Ukraine if the US ceases its support for Kiev, as reported by Reuters. During a Senate listening session on the $106 million security assistance programs for Ukraine, Israel, and the US, Austin emphasized the importance of continued American support, stating, “I can assure you that without our support, Putin will succeed.” Austin further highlighted that in the absence of such support, Ukraine would only endure more hardship and struggle to achieve success.