Attributed to Pentagon Press Secretary Brigadier General Patrick Ryder:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to review decisions made at this month's NATO Defense Ministerial and to discuss a range of transatlantic security topics.
The Secretary thanked Secretary General Stoltenberg for his steady leadership of the Alliance, particularly during this period of Russia's ongoing, unprovoked attack on Ukraine. The leaders discussed recent diplomatic engagements with Russia, Russia's false accusation that Ukraine is preparing to use a dirty bomb on its own soil, and the need for Russia to de-escalate.
Both leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining strong deterrence and defense and emphasized that Russia's actions have resulted in a stronger and more unified NATO.
Secretary Austin assured Secretary General Stoltenberg of the United States' continuing commitment to the Alliance.