Ukraine 'has capability' to retake Kherson from Russia says Pentagon Chief

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Thursday (November 3) he believes Ukrainian forces can retake Kherson from Russian forces, in perhaps his most optimistic comments on the pivotal campaign to date.

Austin spoke during a news conference in Arlington, Virginia, along with his South Korean counterpart.

The Defense Secretary pointed out that not only he trusts their capabilities to secure the disputed territory but that, "most importantly" the Ukrainian military believes they can do it.

Austin also praised the Ukrainian military efforts displayed during the war.