The US wants to see "Russia weakened to the degree that it can't do the kinds of things that it has done in invading Ukraine, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said after his visit to Kiev, The Hill reported.

Asked by reporters what the US goal is in Ukraine, he said, "We want to see Ukraine remain a sovereign country, a democratic country able to protect its sovereign territory."

According to Austin, the US wants to see "Russia's military machine reduced to such an extent that it will not be able to threaten any other European ally in the future."

The Pentagon chief added that they want to see the international community more cohesive, especially NATO.