US avers war will become 'more difficult' for Putin as Ukraine takes full control of Lyman

A day after Russia pulled troops out from an eastern Ukrainian city that it had been using as a front-line hub, United States termed recent development as a difficult time for Russian President Vladimir Putin. While addressing a press conference on Sunday, US defence secretary Lloyd Austin praised Ukraine's victory in Lyman amid ongoing war and said he was very encourd by recent developments in war-torn nation. He stressed that achieving victory in Lyman was significant for Ukraine as region provided pivotal support to Russian troops in ongoing war. "Without those routes, it will be more difficult. So it presents a sort of a dilemma for Russians going forward," he said.

tably, statement from US came as Russia’s withdrawal from Lyman complicates its internationally vilified declaration as it had recently annexed four regions of Ukraine — an area that includes Lyman. “ Ukrainian flag is already in Lyman, Donetsk region. Fighting is still going on re. But re is trace of any pseudo-referendum re,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly address on Saturday. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba over telephone and assured him of support. Besides, he also criticised Russia's referendum in four regions of Ukraine and assured Biden administration will always respect country's internationally recognised borders.

Biden administration vows to respect Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders

" Secretary reiterated President Biden’s mess that United States will always hour Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders and that we will continue to support Ukraine’s efforts to regain control of its territory by strengning its hand militarily and diplomatically," according to statement released by spokesperson, Ned Price.

Furrmore, Secretary updated Foreign Minister on US security assistance, including $1.1 billion Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative pack anunced this week, as well as future deliveries. Secretary and Foreign Minister also discussed efforts to ensure Ukrainian grain continues to reach those most in need around globe and to ensure safety of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities.

Im: AP