Russia-Ukraine updates: 2 US veterans who joined Ukrainian forces missing

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Tuesday that any public statements by world leaders that the conflict in Ukraine could spin out of control and lead to a nuclear confrontation is "unhelpful and dangerous."

Austin's comments during a news conference at Ramstein Air Base in Germany came a day after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned of a "serious" risk of nuclear war over Ukraine.

"The danger is serious, real. It can’t be underestimated,” Lavrov said in a Russian state TV interview late Monday.

Lavrov said that following the Cuban missile crisis of 1962, the United States and the former Soviet Union developed an understanding of the rules of conduct between the two superpowers and have avoided a nuclear confrontation for 60 years. "Now there are few rules left," Lavrov said.

Austin was asked during Tuesday's news conference whether the conflict in Ukraine could spin out of control and lead to a nuclear confrontation.

"We certainly will do everything within our power and Ukraine will have the same approach, do everything within their power to make sure it doesn't spin out of control. The international community is focused on that as well," Austin said. "There's always a possibility that a number of things can happen. But, you know, again, I think it's unhelpful and dangerous to rattle sabers and speculate about the use of nuclear weapons."

-ABC News' Matt Seyler

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said meetings like the one on Tuesday with more than 40 NATO allies and other partner nations will now occur monthly.

"To ensure that we continue to build on our progress, we're going to extend this forum beyond today," Austin said during a news conference at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

"I'm proud to announce that today's gathering will become a monthly contact group on Ukraine's self-defense," he said.

The meetings will focus on strengthening Ukraine's military both in the short and long terms, Austin said.

"The contact group will be a vehicle for nations of good will to intensify our efforts and coordinate our assistance and focus on winning today's fight and the struggles to come," Austin said. "The monthly meetings may be in person, virtual, or mixed."

Austin, who visited Ukraine on Sunday with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, praised Tuesday's meeting with NATO allies, saying, "We're all coming away with a transparent and shared understanding of a challenge that Ukrainians face."

Austin conveyed a sense of urgency for the international community to help the Ukrainians.

"I applaud all of the countries that have risen, and are rising, to this moment," he said. "But we don’t have any time to waste. The briefings today laid out clearly why the coming weeks will be so crucial for Ukraine. So, we’ve got to move at the speed of war."

Austin thanked Germany for hosting Tuesday's meeting and for offering to send Ukraine 50 Cheetah anti-aircraft systems. He also thanked the United Kingdom for its announcement Monday that it would provide Ukraine additional anti-aircraft capabilities.

"We held an important session today with long-term support for Ukraine’s defenses, including what that will take from our defense industrial bases," Austin said. "That means dealing with the tremendous demand that we’re facing for munitions and weapons platforms, and giving our staunch support to Ukraine while also meeting our own requirements, and those of our allies and partners."

-ABC News' Matt Syler

A Soviet-era statue that has stood in the capital of Ukraine since 1982 and once symbolized the friendship between Russia and Ukraine was taken down on Tuesday in response to the war between the two countries.

An ABC News crew was on-hand in Kyiv as a large crane removed the bronze "People's Friendship" statue from its pedestal.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the statue, a gift from the former Soviet Union, is being dismantled because of the “brutal killing and a desire to destroy our state.”

The statue depicts two workers, a Russian and a Ukrainian, holding up a Soviet Order of Friendship of Peoples. The monument was dedicated in November 1982 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the USSR and the 1,500th anniversary of Kyiv.

Klitschko said a 164-foot-tall titanium rainbow-shaped arch the statue rested under will remain and be illuminated with the colors of the Ukrainian flag.

-ABC News' Marcus Moore

The U.S. will "keep moving heaven and earth" to supply aid to Ukraine, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said on Tuesday at a meeting of the Ukraine Security Consultative Group, which includes military representatives from about 40 countries.

“Ukraine clearly believes it can win. And so does everyone here,” Austin said in his opening remarks at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. “I know that we’re all determined to do everything we can to support Ukraine’s needs as the fight evolves.”

Austin said the group would seek to leave with a common understanding of “Ukraine’s near term security requirements, because we’re going to keep moving heaven and earth so that we can meet them.”