The United States and Ukraine's partners have allocated a total of more than $76 billion in direct assistance to Ukrainian defense, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has said.

"In total, the United States and Ukraine's global partners have committed more than $76 billion in direct security assistance to Ukraine's defense. Now, these donations demonstrate the profound resolve of some 50 countries gathered here. Together, we are getting Ukraine what it needs – when it needs it," Austin said, opening the 15th meeting of Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format in Germany.

Separately, the Pentagon Chief expressed words of gratitude to former Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov "for everything that he did for a free Ukraine," noting "his hard work and dedication."

Austin also welcomed new Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov, for whom this is the first meeting of the Defense Contact Group. "We had a good call last week, and we had the chance to sit down together earlier this morning as well. Rustem, I look forward to working closely with you and your team," he said.

Austin said right now Ukrainian forces are fighting a difficult battle to liberate their sovereign territory from Russian invaders. "Ukraine's counteroffensive continues to make steady forward progress. And brave Ukrainian troops are breaking through the heavily fortified lines of Russia’s army of aggression. Ukraine's progress is a testament to the fighting spirit of its people," he said.

According to the U.S. Secretary of Defense, history will show "the full folly of Putin's reckless, cruel, and unprovoked invasion of his peaceful neighbor." "In this war, time is not on Putin’s side. Time is never on the side of a dictator who launches an imperial war of choice. And time is never on the side of aggression," Austin said.

The Pentagon Chief also noted the courage and perseverance of the Ukrainian people resisting the Russian invasion. "Throughout this tragic war, Putin has tried to demoralize the Ukrainian people. Instead, he has demoralized the Russian military. And the Kremlin has isolated itself by its flagrant aggression. Look at the 50 countries proudly represented around this table, standing together to defend Ukraine and the rules-based international order. And then look at the Kremlin, left alone with the likes of Iran and North Korea," the Pentagon Chief said.

As Austin assured, the United States and partners "have proven our staying power over and over again" and will stand by the Ukrainian people for the long haul.