Def Sec Austin: War In Ukraine Will Last Years

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin testifying to a House Armed Services Committee on the war in Ukraine has said: 'I do think this is a very protracted conflict and I think it's at least measured in years. I don't know, about a decade, but at least years for sure.'

• The Defence Secretary's words are consistent with US intelligence reports claming that Russian forces are regrouping for a focused assault on eastern Ukraine to gain control of Donbas and Luhansk and open up a land corridor connecting Crimea with Russia.
• The Defence Secretary also exchanged sharp words with Rep Matt Gaetz (R-FL) when the Florida Rep accused the Pentagon of falling behind China in hypersonic missile capabilities.
• Earlier today it came to light that the US tested a hypersonic missile shortly before President Biden's trip to Europe but declined to disclose the test due to fears of escalating tensions with Russia.