Prague/Brussels, 9 September 2022 (dpa/MIA) - Reports of Ukrainian progress in Kiev's ongoing counteroffensive against Russian forces are "encouraging," according to US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. "We're seeing successes in Kherson now, we're seeing some successes in Kharkiv - and that's very, very encouraging," Austin said on Friday on the sidelines of a visit to Prague. When asked why the US did not supply the Ukrainians with missiles with a range even longer than that of the existing HIMARS missiles, Austin answered evasively. "We remain committed and make sure we give them what they need to be successful," Austin replied. His talks in Prague centred on increased defence cooperation between the US and the Czech Republic, both of which are partners in the Western NATO alliance. After meeting Czech colleague Jana Černochová, Austin said both sides are interested in concluding a corresponding agreement “as soon as possible." Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US wants to put Ukraine in a strong diplomatic negotiating position amid its ongoing counteroffensive against Russia. "We see in this moment no indication from Russia that it will be prepared to seriously pursue such diplomacy. But if and when that time comes, Ukraine has to be in the strongest possible position," Blinken said in Brussels after a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Blinken praised the Ukrainian offensive and territorial gains in the south and east. "It's early days, but is demonstrably making real progress," Blinken added. "I think we can say that Ukraine is proceeding in a very deliberate way with a strong plan and critically enabled by resources that many of us are providing," the top US diplomat explained.