The United States will continue to support Ukraine in its fight against the imperial aggression, United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has said during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format on Wednesday.

"When [Russian President Vladimir] Putin launched his unjust and unprovoked war of choice, he was betting that Ukraine would fall. But he could not have been more wrong. Ukraine fought this invasion with an incredible courage and phenomenal skill," he said.

The U.S. Secretary of Defense also said the Kremlin keeps betting that Ukraine will lose the support of all its partners. He emphasized that the support of the Unites States and all other members of the coalition remains unwavering.

"But I am more determined than ever, and I know that you are as well. This contact group remains resolute, undaunted and firm. The United States continues to stay in force with Ukraine, and America will continue to support Ukraine's principal fight against Putin's imperial aggression," Austin said.

"Ukraine will not surrender, and neither will we," he said.