Austin tells Ukraine work is being done to avoid further confrontation
The US Defense Secretary said a "full-blown" war may still be avoidable.
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US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin
During a meeting with Ukraine's Secretary of Defense Dmytro Kuleba, Lloyd Austin claimed that a "full-blown" war may still be avoided.
Kuleba arrived in Washington Tuesday to discuss new developments involving Ukraine.
Austin pledged that “we will continue to work closely with you and remain in lockstep with our allies and partners in trying to find a way to avoid further conflict. Mr. Putin can still avoid a full-blown, tragic war of choice."
The Secretary of Defense's declaration comes following Russia's recognition of the Lugansk People's Republic (LPR) and the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR).
Tensions are soaring between Russia and Ukraine over the Donbass region and Moscow's latest statements recognizing the two Republics.
The Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics (DPR and LPR) accused Kiev of repeatedly shelling the Donbass region with weapons banned by the Minsk agreements.
The DPR Ministry of Emergency Situations said Saturday Donetsk had already evacuated 6,600 people, including nearly 2,500 children, over a dramatic escalation of tensions with Ukraine.
