Austin warns there is 'no silver bullet' to ending war in Ukraine

"There is no silver bullet. No single capability will turn the tide. No one system will end Putin’s assault," Austin said. "What matters is the way that Ukraine fights back. What matters is the combined effects of your military capabilities, and what matters is staying focused on what works."

By Misty Severi

Published: October 21, 2024 8:34pm

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday warned Ukrainians that there was no "silver bullet" to ending the years-long conflict between Russia and Ukraine, but encouraged the country to continue fighting.

The comment occurred during what is likely Austin's final visit to the war torn Ukraine as Secretary of Defense. Austin has led the American response to the ongoing conflict over the past two years, and has claimed that if Ukraine falls, the rest of Europe's security would be in jeopardy, along with the United States'.

Austin applauded the international effort to help Ukraine fend off Russia in comments from Kyiv, and promised to continue helping Ukraine get the military aid that it needs from its allies, according to Fox News.

"There is no silver bullet. No single capability will turn the tide. No one system will end [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s assault," Austin said. "What matters is the way that Ukraine fights back. What matters is the combined effects of your military capabilities, and what matters is staying focused on what works."

The comment comes after former President Donald Trump claimed he would end the war with Russia before he even takes the Oval Office, if he's elected back to the White House next month. Trump has also claimed that the war would never have broken out had he won reelection in 2020.

The Defense Secretary also announced another $400 million arms package to Ukraine on Monday, which he asserted was cheaper than letting Ukraine fall under Russia's control.

"Consider the price of American retreat. In the face of aggression, the price of principle is always dwarfed by the cost of capitulation," Austin said. "We face a hinge in history. We can continue to insist that cross-border invasion is the cardinal sin of world politics, and we can continue to stand firm against Putin's aggression. Or we can let Putin have his way, and we can condemn our children and grandchildren to live in a far bloodier and more dangerous world."

"If Ukraine falls under Putin’s boot, all of Europe will fall under Putin’s shadow," he added.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.