WASHINGTON, March 1, 2024 (BSS/TASS) - If Ukraine falls, Russia and NATO could come into a direct military conflict, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told the House Armed Services Committee.

He said Russian leadership "won't stop there" if Ukraine is defeated.

"Quite frankly, if Ukraine falls, I really believe that NATO will be in a fight with Russia," Austin said in a hearing dedicated to his hospitalization in January.