1 00:00:02,540 --> 00:00:04,596 Well , good afternoon everybody . Um 2 00:00:04,596 --> 00:00:06,800 just a couple of notes at the top . I 3 00:00:06,800 --> 00:00:08,800 mean , obviously we're all socially 4 00:00:08,800 --> 00:00:12,180 distance . Uh , so we've got the 5 00:00:12,180 --> 00:00:14,180 majority of the press covering this 6 00:00:14,180 --> 00:00:16,291 press conference or on zoom . And the 7 00:00:16,291 --> 00:00:18,458 the secretary and the chairman will be 8 00:00:18,458 --> 00:00:20,624 taking questions from both in the room 9 00:00:20,624 --> 00:00:22,830 and on zoom um given the unique 10 00:00:22,830 --> 00:00:24,608 circumstances and of course the 11 00:00:24,608 --> 00:00:26,941 pressing their pressing schedules today , 12 00:00:26,941 --> 00:00:29,052 I ask you to please limit your follow 13 00:00:29,052 --> 00:00:31,274 up questions and so we can get a chance 14 00:00:31,274 --> 00:00:34,340 to get through everybody . And uh and 15 00:00:34,340 --> 00:00:37,760 I'll be uh coming back to uh to call it 16 00:00:37,760 --> 00:00:39,816 towards the end of it here as we get 17 00:00:39,816 --> 00:00:42,150 ready to close . Uh Both the secretary 18 00:00:42,150 --> 00:00:43,817 and the chairman have opening 19 00:00:43,817 --> 00:00:45,928 statements . I'll stop talking now so 20 00:00:45,928 --> 00:00:47,928 that they can deliver their opening 21 00:00:47,928 --> 00:00:47,520 statements and then we'll get right to 22 00:00:47,530 --> 00:00:49,586 the questions sector . Well , thanks 23 00:00:49,586 --> 00:00:52,150 john . And thanks to everybody , I'm 24 00:00:52,150 --> 00:00:54,630 really glad to be with you . I know 25 00:00:54,640 --> 00:00:56,862 you're covering the situation in europe 26 00:00:57,140 --> 00:01:00,150 closely . And so I want to update you 27 00:01:00,150 --> 00:01:02,094 on what the department is doing to 28 00:01:02,094 --> 00:01:05,320 support Ukraine and to uphold our our 29 00:01:05,330 --> 00:01:07,760 ironclad commitment to our NATO allies . 30 00:01:09,000 --> 00:01:11,111 As you know , for months now , Russia 31 00:01:11,111 --> 00:01:14,000 has been deploying forces to Crimea in 32 00:01:14,000 --> 00:01:16,530 along Ukraine's border , including in 33 00:01:16,530 --> 00:01:19,870 Belarus . It has progressed at a 34 00:01:19,870 --> 00:01:22,360 consistent and steady pace involving 35 00:01:23,040 --> 00:01:26,530 10s of thousands of Russian troops and 36 00:01:26,530 --> 00:01:28,740 it is being supported by increased 37 00:01:28,740 --> 00:01:31,370 Russian naval activity in the northern 38 00:01:31,370 --> 00:01:33,426 atlantic and the mediterranean sea . 39 00:01:34,840 --> 00:01:37,007 Well , we don't believe that President 40 00:01:37,007 --> 00:01:39,173 Putin has made a final decision to use 41 00:01:39,173 --> 00:01:41,540 these forces against Ukraine . He 42 00:01:41,540 --> 00:01:45,450 clearly now has that capability . And 43 00:01:45,450 --> 00:01:47,672 there are multiple options available to 44 00:01:47,672 --> 00:01:50,460 him , including the seizure of cities 45 00:01:50,460 --> 00:01:53,320 and significant territories , but also 46 00:01:53,320 --> 00:01:56,020 coercive acts or provocative political 47 00:01:56,020 --> 00:01:59,230 acts like the recognition of breakaway 48 00:01:59,230 --> 00:02:03,040 territories . Indeed , we're seeing 49 00:02:03,050 --> 00:02:05,300 Russian state media spouting off now 50 00:02:05,300 --> 00:02:08,290 about alleged activities in eastern 51 00:02:08,290 --> 00:02:11,020 Ukraine . Now this is straight out of 52 00:02:11,020 --> 00:02:13,470 the Russian playbook and they're not 53 00:02:13,470 --> 00:02:17,130 fooling us . We remain focused on 54 00:02:17,140 --> 00:02:20,080 Russian disinformation , including the 55 00:02:20,080 --> 00:02:23,130 potential creation of pretext for 56 00:02:23,130 --> 00:02:25,660 further invasion or strikes on Donbas 57 00:02:26,940 --> 00:02:28,820 in any Russian attack or further 58 00:02:28,820 --> 00:02:32,400 incursion into into Ukraine would not 59 00:02:32,400 --> 00:02:34,950 only ignite conflict , it would also 60 00:02:34,950 --> 00:02:37,250 violate the bedrock principles of 61 00:02:37,840 --> 00:02:40,670 national sovereignty , territorial 62 00:02:40,670 --> 00:02:43,590 integrity in self determination . 63 00:02:45,540 --> 00:02:47,707 So this is something that we're taking 64 00:02:47,707 --> 00:02:49,596 very seriously , both as a strong 65 00:02:49,596 --> 00:02:52,020 partner of Ukraine and as one of 30 66 00:02:52,020 --> 00:02:55,940 members of NATO who are unified in 67 00:02:55,950 --> 00:02:58,250 opposition to Russia's attempts to 68 00:02:58,250 --> 00:03:00,950 undermine those core values and 69 00:03:00,950 --> 00:03:03,172 threaten peace and security in europe . 70 00:03:04,540 --> 00:03:06,660 So let me be clear on where things 71 00:03:06,660 --> 00:03:10,160 stand today . First 72 00:03:10,830 --> 00:03:13,660 conflict is not inevitable . 73 00:03:14,900 --> 00:03:16,789 There is still time and space for 74 00:03:16,789 --> 00:03:20,090 diplomacy . The United States in lock 75 00:03:20,090 --> 00:03:22,201 step with our allies and partners has 76 00:03:22,201 --> 00:03:25,570 offered Russia a path away from crisis 77 00:03:25,580 --> 00:03:28,890 and toward greater Security and the 78 00:03:28,890 --> 00:03:31,057 Department of Defense will continue to 79 00:03:31,057 --> 00:03:33,080 support those diplomatic efforts . 80 00:03:35,340 --> 00:03:37,284 Second , the United States remains 81 00:03:37,284 --> 00:03:39,284 committed to helping Ukraine defend 82 00:03:39,284 --> 00:03:41,250 itself through security assistance 83 00:03:41,250 --> 00:03:44,660 material And since 2014 we've committed 84 00:03:44,660 --> 00:03:47,990 more than $2.7 billion dollars in 85 00:03:47,990 --> 00:03:50,840 security assistance to Ukraine . That 86 00:03:50,840 --> 00:03:53,250 includes More security assistance to 87 00:03:53,250 --> 00:03:56,260 Ukraine in the past year , $650 million 88 00:03:56,260 --> 00:03:59,250 dollars than at any previous time . 89 00:04:00,810 --> 00:04:03,100 And so in december , President biden 90 00:04:03,100 --> 00:04:05,960 authorized $200 million dollars in 91 00:04:05,960 --> 00:04:08,430 assistance which included additional 92 00:04:08,430 --> 00:04:11,470 javelins and other anti armor weapons , 93 00:04:11,790 --> 00:04:14,730 grenade launchers , large quantities of 94 00:04:14,740 --> 00:04:17,160 artillery and small arms , ammunition 95 00:04:18,040 --> 00:04:22,000 and other equipment . Those deliveries 96 00:04:22,000 --> 00:04:25,820 are ongoing . Indeed , another shipment , 97 00:04:25,830 --> 00:04:29,420 another shipment just arrived today and 98 00:04:29,420 --> 00:04:31,364 third the United States will stand 99 00:04:31,364 --> 00:04:33,309 shoulder to shoulder with our NATO 100 00:04:33,309 --> 00:04:35,364 allies and that includes reinforcing 101 00:04:35,364 --> 00:04:38,350 security on NATO's eastern flank . And 102 00:04:38,350 --> 00:04:40,572 as you know , we placed thousands of US 103 00:04:40,572 --> 00:04:43,100 troops on prepare to deploy orders 104 00:04:43,110 --> 00:04:46,500 earlier this week . If NATO activates 105 00:04:46,500 --> 00:04:49,280 its response forces , these troops will 106 00:04:49,280 --> 00:04:52,560 be ready to go now . The situation on 107 00:04:52,560 --> 00:04:55,150 Ukraine's borders is changing rapidly . 108 00:04:56,140 --> 00:04:58,084 But as we look ahead , there are a 109 00:04:58,084 --> 00:05:00,307 couple of things that we can count on . 110 00:05:01,040 --> 00:05:03,690 One . This department will continue to 111 00:05:03,690 --> 00:05:05,912 provide President biden with options to 112 00:05:05,912 --> 00:05:08,230 defend our national security interest 113 00:05:08,230 --> 00:05:10,510 in response to Russian actions 114 00:05:12,040 --> 00:05:14,207 and two . We will stay united with our 115 00:05:14,207 --> 00:05:17,910 NATO allies . Earlier this week , I 116 00:05:17,920 --> 00:05:19,760 spoke with my polish counterpart 117 00:05:21,040 --> 00:05:23,130 yesterday , I spoke with my Romanian 118 00:05:23,130 --> 00:05:26,160 counterpart and this morning I had two 119 00:05:26,160 --> 00:05:27,938 very good conversations with my 120 00:05:27,938 --> 00:05:31,730 counterparts in France and Germany as 121 00:05:31,730 --> 00:05:34,070 we've made clear . In addition to the 122 00:05:34,070 --> 00:05:36,140 significant economic and diplomatic 123 00:05:36,140 --> 00:05:40,050 costs that Russia will incur a move on 124 00:05:40,050 --> 00:05:42,560 Ukraine will accomplish the very thing . 125 00:05:43,140 --> 00:05:46,550 Russia says it does not want a NATO 126 00:05:46,560 --> 00:05:49,940 NATO alliance , strengthen and resolved 127 00:05:49,950 --> 00:05:53,000 on its western flank . The United 128 00:05:53,000 --> 00:05:54,833 States will contribute to NATO's 129 00:05:54,833 --> 00:05:57,870 response forces and we will coordinate 130 00:05:57,870 --> 00:06:00,380 with our NATO allies . We will make 131 00:06:00,380 --> 00:06:02,436 sure that they have the capabilities 132 00:06:02,436 --> 00:06:04,547 that they need to defend themselves . 133 00:06:05,540 --> 00:06:07,660 Article five is clear on this point . 134 00:06:08,740 --> 00:06:10,962 An attack against one NATO member is an 135 00:06:10,962 --> 00:06:14,290 attack against us all . And as 136 00:06:14,290 --> 00:06:16,401 President biden has said , the United 137 00:06:16,401 --> 00:06:18,450 States hold this , hold this as a 138 00:06:18,450 --> 00:06:21,870 sacred obligation and we will do right 139 00:06:21,880 --> 00:06:25,180 by that commitment . And Mr Putin can 140 00:06:25,180 --> 00:06:28,250 do the right thing as well . There's no 141 00:06:28,250 --> 00:06:30,180 reason that this situation has to 142 00:06:30,180 --> 00:06:33,400 devolve into conflict . He can choose 143 00:06:33,400 --> 00:06:37,110 to deescalate , he can order his troops 144 00:06:37,110 --> 00:06:40,360 away . He can choose dialogue and 145 00:06:40,360 --> 00:06:44,170 diplomacy , whatever he decides . 146 00:06:44,840 --> 00:06:47,330 The United States , we'll stand with 147 00:06:47,330 --> 00:06:48,774 our allies and partners . 148 00:06:51,810 --> 00:06:54,100 I want to briefly address to other 149 00:06:54,100 --> 00:06:55,822 items before we open it up for 150 00:06:55,822 --> 00:06:59,710 questions first , on Wednesday I was 151 00:06:59,710 --> 00:07:01,821 honored to join the President when he 152 00:07:01,821 --> 00:07:04,280 signed an executive order to help us 153 00:07:04,280 --> 00:07:06,700 deliver on the promise that all men and 154 00:07:06,700 --> 00:07:08,644 women in uniform should be able to 155 00:07:08,644 --> 00:07:11,380 serve their country free from fear of 156 00:07:11,380 --> 00:07:15,120 violence or harassment . This 157 00:07:15,120 --> 00:07:16,953 executive order will improve the 158 00:07:16,953 --> 00:07:19,400 military justice system's response to 159 00:07:19,400 --> 00:07:22,810 sexual assault , harassment and related 160 00:07:22,810 --> 00:07:26,640 crimes . And I welcome it . And 161 00:07:26,640 --> 00:07:28,640 finally , as you know , yesterday I 162 00:07:28,640 --> 00:07:30,640 directed changes to the departments 163 00:07:31,290 --> 00:07:33,401 civilian harm mitigation and response 164 00:07:33,401 --> 00:07:37,160 policy oversight and processes . Within 165 00:07:37,160 --> 00:07:39,450 90 days , we will unveil a plan to 166 00:07:39,460 --> 00:07:41,740 specify the range of actions that will 167 00:07:41,740 --> 00:07:45,100 take on civilian harm mitigation and 168 00:07:45,100 --> 00:07:48,200 response , including important steps , 169 00:07:48,840 --> 00:07:51,170 building on knowledge and best 170 00:07:51,170 --> 00:07:54,740 practices and tools for preventing and 171 00:07:54,740 --> 00:07:57,100 mitigating and responding to civilian 172 00:07:57,100 --> 00:08:00,470 harm . But I also ordered some 173 00:08:00,470 --> 00:08:02,137 immediate steps including the 174 00:08:02,137 --> 00:08:04,359 establishment of a civilian harm Center 175 00:08:04,359 --> 00:08:07,740 of Excellence , reporting to me that 176 00:08:07,740 --> 00:08:09,573 will compel us to learn from our 177 00:08:09,573 --> 00:08:12,250 mistakes and to make changes in stride . 178 00:08:14,140 --> 00:08:16,370 I know personally how hard we worked to 179 00:08:16,370 --> 00:08:19,460 avoid civilian harm and to abide by the 180 00:08:19,460 --> 00:08:22,860 law of armed conflict . But I've also 181 00:08:22,860 --> 00:08:25,670 said that we need to do better and we 182 00:08:25,670 --> 00:08:29,360 will this is a priority for me 183 00:08:29,940 --> 00:08:31,662 and we will ensure that we are 184 00:08:31,662 --> 00:08:34,420 transparent as we continue this 185 00:08:34,420 --> 00:08:36,700 important work . Until now , I'll turn 186 00:08:36,700 --> 00:08:38,478 it over to the chairman for his 187 00:08:38,478 --> 00:08:40,750 thoughts . Thank you secretary and good 188 00:08:40,750 --> 00:08:42,960 afternoon everyone and and appreciate 189 00:08:42,970 --> 00:08:45,192 having an opportunity to address all of 190 00:08:45,192 --> 00:08:48,520 you . Ukraine has the right to be 191 00:08:48,520 --> 00:08:50,409 independent And they have been an 192 00:08:50,409 --> 00:08:53,210 independent country since 1991 . 193 00:08:54,320 --> 00:08:56,760 Russia signed the Budapest Memorandum 194 00:08:57,240 --> 00:09:01,190 In 1994 with the United States and 195 00:09:01,190 --> 00:09:04,010 great Britain that guaranteed the 196 00:09:04,010 --> 00:09:06,121 territorial integrity and sovereignty 197 00:09:06,121 --> 00:09:08,340 of Ukraine . It's the policy of the 198 00:09:08,340 --> 00:09:10,562 United States government to continue to 199 00:09:10,562 --> 00:09:12,507 support an independent Ukraine and 200 00:09:12,507 --> 00:09:14,850 their goals and we are continuing our 201 00:09:14,850 --> 00:09:16,890 efforts to enhance their ability to 202 00:09:16,890 --> 00:09:19,340 protect themselves . We strongly 203 00:09:19,340 --> 00:09:22,290 encourage Russia to stand down and to 204 00:09:22,290 --> 00:09:24,512 pursue a resolution through diplomacy . 205 00:09:25,340 --> 00:09:28,040 Armed force should always be the last 206 00:09:28,050 --> 00:09:31,860 resort success here is 207 00:09:32,190 --> 00:09:34,950 through dialogue . The Russian 208 00:09:34,950 --> 00:09:38,020 Federation has amassed upwards at this 209 00:09:38,020 --> 00:09:41,360 time of over 100,000 ground forces , 210 00:09:41,740 --> 00:09:45,290 Air forces , naval forces , special 211 00:09:45,290 --> 00:09:49,070 forces , cyber electronic warfare , 212 00:09:49,080 --> 00:09:51,610 command and control , logistics , 213 00:09:51,620 --> 00:09:55,230 engineers and other capabilities along 214 00:09:55,230 --> 00:09:58,310 the Ukraine border . Ukraine is the 215 00:09:58,310 --> 00:10:01,290 second largest country in europe , with 216 00:10:01,290 --> 00:10:05,130 a population of 44 million . It's 217 00:10:05,130 --> 00:10:07,074 divided in the middle by the river 218 00:10:07,074 --> 00:10:10,180 Dnipro . Prominent terrain includes 219 00:10:10,180 --> 00:10:12,800 flat , open plains and there are 220 00:10:12,800 --> 00:10:14,840 abundance of rivers and lakes and 221 00:10:15,210 --> 00:10:17,640 there's a high water table and when 222 00:10:17,640 --> 00:10:20,310 that high water table freezes , it 223 00:10:20,310 --> 00:10:23,330 makes it for optimal conditions for 224 00:10:23,330 --> 00:10:25,670 cross country , tracked and wheeled 225 00:10:25,670 --> 00:10:29,150 vehicle maneuver . The city of Kiev 226 00:10:29,540 --> 00:10:31,373 Has a population of nearly three 227 00:10:31,373 --> 00:10:34,390 million people . Other major population 228 00:10:34,390 --> 00:10:37,350 centers include Kharkiv or Kharkov , 229 00:10:37,700 --> 00:10:39,930 Donetsk , Odessa , Dnipro and LVIv in 230 00:10:39,930 --> 00:10:43,430 the west . There are many people and 231 00:10:43,430 --> 00:10:45,208 highly dense population centers 232 00:10:45,840 --> 00:10:48,720 throughout Ukraine . And if war were to 233 00:10:48,720 --> 00:10:50,831 break out on the scale and scope that 234 00:10:50,831 --> 00:10:53,570 is possible , the civilian population 235 00:10:53,790 --> 00:10:57,300 will suffer immensely . Ukraine 236 00:10:57,300 --> 00:11:01,200 military Has about 150,000 active duty 237 00:11:01,350 --> 00:11:04,050 service members with many more and the 238 00:11:04,050 --> 00:11:07,350 reserves . They consist of multiple 239 00:11:07,350 --> 00:11:11,160 units , sea air land and they are 240 00:11:11,160 --> 00:11:13,970 currently disposed in a raid throughout 241 00:11:13,970 --> 00:11:16,310 Ukraine with the high density on the 242 00:11:16,310 --> 00:11:18,950 eastern section in the line of contact 243 00:11:18,960 --> 00:11:22,070 in the Donbas region , Ukraine has 244 00:11:22,070 --> 00:11:24,910 other units and they maintain artillery , 245 00:11:24,920 --> 00:11:27,380 air defense , airfields , bases , 246 00:11:27,380 --> 00:11:30,830 depots and they have a highly regarded 247 00:11:30,840 --> 00:11:33,560 territorial force and people's militia . 248 00:11:34,940 --> 00:11:37,360 Their combat capabilities have improved 249 00:11:37,940 --> 00:11:40,890 Since 2014 , when Russia annexed 250 00:11:41,100 --> 00:11:44,250 illegally Crimea but they need 251 00:11:44,250 --> 00:11:46,417 additional help to defend themselves , 252 00:11:46,620 --> 00:11:48,842 especially from an invasion force . The 253 00:11:48,842 --> 00:11:50,890 size that Russia he's currently 254 00:11:50,890 --> 00:11:54,550 amassing if Russia chooses to invade 255 00:11:54,560 --> 00:11:58,110 Ukraine , it will not be cost free in 256 00:11:58,110 --> 00:12:00,500 terms of casualties or other 257 00:12:00,600 --> 00:12:04,180 significant effects . There is a small 258 00:12:04,180 --> 00:12:06,402 contingent of U . S . And NATO advisors 259 00:12:06,402 --> 00:12:08,970 and trainers currently in Ukraine . The 260 00:12:08,970 --> 00:12:12,840 United States has zero offensive combat 261 00:12:12,840 --> 00:12:15,220 weapons systems nor any permanent 262 00:12:15,220 --> 00:12:19,000 forces nor bases in Ukraine . Our 263 00:12:19,000 --> 00:12:21,380 role is limited and that we helped 264 00:12:21,380 --> 00:12:24,260 train , advise and assist with tactics , 265 00:12:24,260 --> 00:12:26,170 techniques and procedures . We 266 00:12:26,170 --> 00:12:27,840 participate in institutional 267 00:12:28,060 --> 00:12:30,171 development of the Ukrainian Ministry 268 00:12:30,171 --> 00:12:32,610 of Defense . As the Secretary of 269 00:12:32,610 --> 00:12:34,930 Defense is noted , we continue to 270 00:12:34,930 --> 00:12:36,986 provide military material support to 271 00:12:36,986 --> 00:12:39,208 Ukraine along with many other countries 272 00:12:39,208 --> 00:12:42,130 from NATO . And we are ready capable 273 00:12:42,140 --> 00:12:45,690 and prepared to uphold our obligation 274 00:12:45,940 --> 00:12:49,590 under treaty to NATO . As mentioned by 275 00:12:49,590 --> 00:12:52,330 the secretary . An attack against one 276 00:12:52,340 --> 00:12:55,760 NATO ally . It's an attack against all 277 00:12:57,340 --> 00:12:59,600 NATO has significant military 278 00:12:59,620 --> 00:13:03,520 capability . NATO has approximately 279 00:13:04,320 --> 00:13:07,770 130 plus brigades of maneuver forces 280 00:13:07,980 --> 00:13:11,870 not including U . S . Forces , 93 281 00:13:11,870 --> 00:13:15,090 squadrons of high end fighters , four 282 00:13:15,090 --> 00:13:18,320 carriers , many more surface combatants . 283 00:13:18,750 --> 00:13:21,430 The military capability of NATO is very , 284 00:13:21,440 --> 00:13:24,750 very significant . In addition to 285 00:13:24,750 --> 00:13:27,290 bordering Russia and Belarus and 286 00:13:27,290 --> 00:13:30,060 Moldova , Ukraine has a border with 287 00:13:30,060 --> 00:13:32,920 four NATO members Poland 288 00:13:33,200 --> 00:13:36,530 Slovakia , Hungary and Romania . The 289 00:13:36,530 --> 00:13:38,810 president and the Secretary of defense 290 00:13:38,810 --> 00:13:40,699 have authorized the United States 291 00:13:40,699 --> 00:13:43,560 military to increase our readiness . In 292 00:13:43,560 --> 00:13:46,490 the event we have to reinforce or 293 00:13:46,490 --> 00:13:50,430 assist our NATO allies . War 294 00:13:50,440 --> 00:13:52,496 is not inevitable . As the secretary 295 00:13:52,496 --> 00:13:55,210 said , the right answer here is a 296 00:13:55,210 --> 00:13:58,080 diplomatic solution . I look forward to 297 00:13:58,080 --> 00:14:00,970 your questions . Thanks Chairman . 298 00:14:00,970 --> 00:14:03,550 We'll turn the questions now and 299 00:14:05,920 --> 00:14:08,470 we'll start with lita , thank you , 300 00:14:08,480 --> 00:14:11,070 thank you both for doing this . Um Mr 301 00:14:11,070 --> 00:14:14,600 Secretary . Um First can you say 302 00:14:14,610 --> 00:14:17,860 whether any U . S . Troops have begun 303 00:14:17,860 --> 00:14:21,130 moving either into or in and around 304 00:14:21,130 --> 00:14:24,950 europe ? And if not can you give us an 305 00:14:24,950 --> 00:14:27,840 idea when that might happen and then 306 00:14:27,840 --> 00:14:31,380 secondarily , how much risk is it to 307 00:14:31,380 --> 00:14:34,790 send additional U . S . Troops to the 308 00:14:34,790 --> 00:14:38,460 eastern flag ? Russia even today has 309 00:14:38,460 --> 00:14:40,690 said they see little room for 310 00:14:40,690 --> 00:14:44,600 compromise right now does sending 311 00:14:44,600 --> 00:14:47,330 additional U . S . Forces to that 312 00:14:47,330 --> 00:14:51,200 region ? Hand Putin an 313 00:14:51,200 --> 00:14:54,930 excuse to make an incursion into 314 00:14:54,930 --> 00:14:58,030 Ukraine . Mhm . Well thanks lito . 315 00:14:59,240 --> 00:15:01,296 You know I think you can assume that 316 00:15:01,296 --> 00:15:03,700 any time that we think about troop 317 00:15:03,700 --> 00:15:06,260 movements we always consider the about 318 00:15:06,640 --> 00:15:08,770 we always consider the impact that 319 00:15:08,780 --> 00:15:11,570 that's going to have on on leaders 320 00:15:11,570 --> 00:15:14,700 minds and uh and their decision making . 321 00:15:15,000 --> 00:15:17,360 I just make two points . And you raised 322 00:15:17,360 --> 00:15:20,320 this earlier . We haven't actually 323 00:15:20,320 --> 00:15:23,780 moved any troops , we put troops on on 324 00:15:23,780 --> 00:15:27,070 higher alert . Uh And the second point 325 00:15:27,080 --> 00:15:31,050 that I would make lita is that even if 326 00:15:31,050 --> 00:15:33,440 and when we do move troops , the 327 00:15:33,450 --> 00:15:35,672 purpose of those troops deploying would 328 00:15:35,672 --> 00:15:39,190 be to reassure allies or 329 00:15:39,200 --> 00:15:42,050 directly in support of NATO or both . 330 00:15:42,640 --> 00:15:46,350 So uh I think that again 331 00:15:47,340 --> 00:15:50,570 before we make any decisions on on 332 00:15:50,580 --> 00:15:53,850 readiness or or or movement of troops , 333 00:15:54,240 --> 00:15:56,407 we always take those those things into 334 00:15:56,407 --> 00:15:58,870 mind with what other leaders , uh the 335 00:15:58,870 --> 00:16:00,314 impact on other leaders . 336 00:16:02,440 --> 00:16:05,050 Yeah , just echo what the Secretary 337 00:16:05,050 --> 00:16:07,272 said . We haven't deployed anybody . We 338 00:16:07,272 --> 00:16:09,439 haven't moved anybody yet . We're just 339 00:16:09,439 --> 00:16:11,661 increasing our readiness levels . And I 340 00:16:11,661 --> 00:16:11,250 think in terms of your question about 341 00:16:11,250 --> 00:16:13,417 provocation , with respect to Russia , 342 00:16:13,417 --> 00:16:15,639 that would depend on the size , scale , 343 00:16:15,639 --> 00:16:17,583 scope and type of forces that were 344 00:16:17,583 --> 00:16:19,750 deployed as to whether or not that was 345 00:16:19,750 --> 00:16:21,806 provocative to Russia . We certainly 346 00:16:21,806 --> 00:16:24,028 had no intent whatsoever that I'm aware 347 00:16:24,028 --> 00:16:26,028 of . Um putting offensive forces to 348 00:16:26,028 --> 00:16:27,917 attack Russia . And I don't think 349 00:16:27,917 --> 00:16:30,028 that's NATO's intent at all . This is 350 00:16:30,028 --> 00:16:31,917 entirely engineered by Russia and 351 00:16:31,917 --> 00:16:33,861 President Putin as an overt act of 352 00:16:33,861 --> 00:16:37,780 coercion against Ukraine . And 353 00:16:37,780 --> 00:16:40,490 we'll go to the phone now , john I 354 00:16:40,490 --> 00:16:43,820 think Helene is up Helene cooper . And 355 00:16:43,820 --> 00:16:47,710 so we'll go to Helene next . Hi , thank 356 00:16:47,710 --> 00:16:49,654 you . Secretary Austin and General 357 00:16:49,654 --> 00:16:52,600 Milley for doing this . Um I have 358 00:16:52,610 --> 00:16:55,370 questions for both of you for Secretary 359 00:16:55,380 --> 00:16:57,740 Austin , uh you said in your opening 360 00:16:57,740 --> 00:16:59,851 statement that Vladimir Putin clearly 361 00:16:59,851 --> 00:17:02,340 now has the capability to enter Ukraine , 362 00:17:02,350 --> 00:17:04,600 Has he put in place the military 363 00:17:04,600 --> 00:17:06,767 hardware and troops that he would need 364 00:17:06,767 --> 00:17:09,620 to launch a full scale invasion of all 365 00:17:09,620 --> 00:17:12,350 of Ukraine the whole country . And for 366 00:17:12,350 --> 00:17:15,740 both you and General Milley , Uh both 367 00:17:15,740 --> 00:17:17,907 of you have been military officers for 368 00:17:17,907 --> 00:17:20,018 four decades . You served in the Gulf 369 00:17:20,018 --> 00:17:22,770 War in Iraq and Afghanistan after 370 00:17:22,780 --> 00:17:25,980 9-11 . You've seen North Korea and Iran 371 00:17:25,980 --> 00:17:28,900 pursue their own nuclear ambitions . Um 372 00:17:28,910 --> 00:17:31,520 I'm wondering does this feel different 373 00:17:31,530 --> 00:17:33,540 to you ? How would you characterize 374 00:17:33,540 --> 00:17:36,240 this crisis with Ukraine and Russia in 375 00:17:36,240 --> 00:17:38,750 terms of its potential to spark a great 376 00:17:38,750 --> 00:17:42,600 power conflict ? Well , in terms of 377 00:17:42,600 --> 00:17:45,920 whether or not he has enough forces to 378 00:17:45,920 --> 00:17:49,840 conduct a full scale invasion . Helene , 379 00:17:49,850 --> 00:17:52,072 you heard the chairman say earlier that 380 00:17:52,072 --> 00:17:54,860 he's got north of 100,000 troops in the 381 00:17:54,860 --> 00:17:58,590 border region . That gives him a number 382 00:17:58,590 --> 00:18:00,812 of options . And what he's done is he's 383 00:18:00,812 --> 00:18:03,480 continued to move troops and resources 384 00:18:03,480 --> 00:18:06,720 into the region is increase his options . 385 00:18:06,730 --> 00:18:10,590 Uh And uh and so we 386 00:18:10,600 --> 00:18:13,900 won't predict what is where his 387 00:18:13,900 --> 00:18:16,810 decisions will take him but we remain 388 00:18:16,810 --> 00:18:19,640 concerned about the range of options 389 00:18:19,640 --> 00:18:22,330 that that he could pursue uh and will 390 00:18:22,330 --> 00:18:25,440 stay focused on this problem set . Um 391 00:18:25,450 --> 00:18:28,510 And I'll turn to the chairman here for 392 00:18:28,510 --> 00:18:31,780 his thoughts in terms of the size of 393 00:18:31,790 --> 00:18:34,990 the forces that are mass right now . Um 394 00:18:35,000 --> 00:18:37,333 they could it's I mean , it's potential , 395 00:18:37,333 --> 00:18:39,500 we don't think there's been a decision 396 00:18:39,500 --> 00:18:41,444 as the secretary already made that 397 00:18:41,444 --> 00:18:43,556 point . But sure , 100,000 troops and 398 00:18:43,556 --> 00:18:45,778 you've got a combined arms formations , 399 00:18:45,778 --> 00:18:48,000 ground maneuver , artillery , rockets , 400 00:18:48,000 --> 00:18:50,167 you've got air and all the other piece 401 00:18:50,167 --> 00:18:52,222 parts that go with it . Uh There's a 402 00:18:52,222 --> 00:18:54,222 potential that they could launch on 403 00:18:54,222 --> 00:18:56,000 very very little warning that's 404 00:18:56,000 --> 00:18:58,167 possible . Um And there's a wide scale 405 00:18:58,167 --> 00:19:00,000 of options that are available to 406 00:19:00,000 --> 00:19:02,167 Russian leadership and the best option 407 00:19:02,167 --> 00:19:04,111 they should pick , in my view is a 408 00:19:04,111 --> 00:19:06,333 diplomatic solution to resolve whatever 409 00:19:06,333 --> 00:19:08,444 differences they have in terms of how 410 00:19:08,444 --> 00:19:10,667 this feels Helene , your second part of 411 00:19:10,667 --> 00:19:12,833 the question as we look at that number 412 00:19:12,833 --> 00:19:15,000 of troops and that that that amount of 413 00:19:15,000 --> 00:19:17,167 hardware that's in the border region , 414 00:19:17,240 --> 00:19:19,570 it's far and away exceeds what we 415 00:19:19,570 --> 00:19:23,390 typically see uh them do for 416 00:19:23,400 --> 00:19:27,220 uh for exercises . And so it's very 417 00:19:27,220 --> 00:19:30,210 concerning where this could lead us in 418 00:19:30,210 --> 00:19:33,010 terms of a type of conflict or where it 419 00:19:33,010 --> 00:19:35,620 could put the put the region in terms 420 00:19:35,620 --> 00:19:38,630 of you know , future activities . I 421 00:19:38,630 --> 00:19:41,960 won't bother to speculate on on that , 422 00:19:41,970 --> 00:19:44,290 Helene , I would just say that we're 423 00:19:44,290 --> 00:19:46,401 focused on making sure that we do our 424 00:19:46,401 --> 00:19:49,390 part to provide the president options 425 00:19:49,390 --> 00:19:53,150 to support and reinforce NATO . Uh 426 00:19:53,160 --> 00:19:57,150 if in fact he does make a decision 427 00:19:57,160 --> 00:20:00,710 that to to invade Ukraine , 428 00:20:01,520 --> 00:20:03,930 Angelina , you know , it doesn't feel 429 00:20:03,930 --> 00:20:06,152 different . Sure it does feel different 430 00:20:06,152 --> 00:20:08,374 in terms of what we've seen in the past 431 00:20:08,374 --> 00:20:10,597 of Russian exercises etcetera . This is 432 00:20:10,597 --> 00:20:12,652 larger in scale and scope uh and the 433 00:20:12,652 --> 00:20:14,874 massing of forces than anything we have 434 00:20:14,874 --> 00:20:17,510 seen um uh in recent memory and I think 435 00:20:17,510 --> 00:20:19,510 you'd have to go back quite a while 436 00:20:19,510 --> 00:20:21,732 into the Cold War days to see something 437 00:20:21,732 --> 00:20:23,843 of this magnitude . Uh they do annual 438 00:20:23,843 --> 00:20:26,010 exercises and we watch those closely . 439 00:20:26,010 --> 00:20:28,010 But this is different . Um So we'll 440 00:20:28,010 --> 00:20:30,010 we'll continue to monitor very very 441 00:20:30,010 --> 00:20:31,732 closely . But yes it does feel 442 00:20:31,732 --> 00:20:33,954 different . We'll come back to the room 443 00:20:33,954 --> 00:20:36,880 and go go out to David since the 444 00:20:36,880 --> 00:20:39,460 president has ruled out sending U . S . 445 00:20:39,940 --> 00:20:43,090 Troops into Ukraine , does that mean 446 00:20:43,100 --> 00:20:45,267 that the U . S . Military would not be 447 00:20:45,267 --> 00:20:48,920 used if an evacuation of 448 00:20:48,930 --> 00:20:52,620 Kiev became necessary . Um 449 00:20:52,630 --> 00:20:55,540 As you've indicated uh David , the 450 00:20:55,550 --> 00:20:58,540 president's been real clear that he 451 00:20:58,540 --> 00:21:02,070 does not intend to put combat 452 00:21:02,070 --> 00:21:05,540 troops into into Ukraine for the 453 00:21:05,540 --> 00:21:08,950 purpose of conducting combat operations . 454 00:21:09,440 --> 00:21:13,420 Um Any troops that we 455 00:21:13,420 --> 00:21:15,650 deploy if we deploy troops to the 456 00:21:15,650 --> 00:21:17,872 region or those troops that are already 457 00:21:17,872 --> 00:21:20,110 in the region have have multiple 458 00:21:20,110 --> 00:21:23,010 capabilities . And so as we conduct our 459 00:21:23,010 --> 00:21:25,250 planning , we always look at a range of 460 00:21:25,260 --> 00:21:28,250 options that uh that what you know , we 461 00:21:28,250 --> 00:21:32,240 may have to pursue . But but again to 462 00:21:32,240 --> 00:21:34,573 the point that you made earlier , David , 463 00:21:34,573 --> 00:21:36,740 the president has been clear about not 464 00:21:36,740 --> 00:21:39,150 employing troops in Ukraine for combat 465 00:21:39,160 --> 00:21:42,780 purposes . What is that rule out using 466 00:21:42,780 --> 00:21:45,360 U . S . Troops for evacuation purposes ? 467 00:21:46,440 --> 00:21:49,280 I won't speculate David , but I would 468 00:21:49,280 --> 00:21:52,880 say that we prepare for a range 469 00:21:52,880 --> 00:21:55,770 of activities and options and that's 470 00:21:55,770 --> 00:21:57,937 what we've always done and that's what 471 00:21:57,937 --> 00:22:00,159 you can expect us to do going forward . 472 00:22:00,740 --> 00:22:02,796 And and David , the State Department 473 00:22:02,796 --> 00:22:05,018 has issued travel advisories , uh those 474 00:22:05,018 --> 00:22:07,073 are in effect right now . Uh And and 475 00:22:07,073 --> 00:22:08,962 those advisories say where is the 476 00:22:08,962 --> 00:22:10,962 effect of don't travel to Ukraine ? 477 00:22:10,962 --> 00:22:12,851 American Citizen and if you're in 478 00:22:12,851 --> 00:22:14,851 Ukraine you should consider leaving 479 00:22:14,851 --> 00:22:17,070 Ukraine and you can go to the state of 480 00:22:17,070 --> 00:22:19,292 our website and see what they've put up 481 00:22:19,700 --> 00:22:22,770 advisories before Afghanistan too . 482 00:22:23,640 --> 00:22:26,990 And it didn't for Stallman 483 00:22:27,000 --> 00:22:30,780 evacuation crisis . That's also 484 00:22:30,780 --> 00:22:34,160 correct . Rest assured David , that 485 00:22:34,160 --> 00:22:36,410 would whatever task the United States 486 00:22:36,410 --> 00:22:38,750 military is called upon to uh to 487 00:22:38,750 --> 00:22:41,090 accomplish will be prepared to to to do 488 00:22:41,090 --> 00:22:44,450 it . Let's go back to the phone 489 00:22:44,460 --> 00:22:48,360 and reach out to Phil Stewart . So 490 00:22:50,340 --> 00:22:52,673 yes , I have a question for both of you . 491 00:22:52,673 --> 00:22:54,920 Uh Secretary Austin , President Biden's 492 00:22:54,930 --> 00:22:57,097 decision to rule out deploying U . S . 493 00:22:57,097 --> 00:22:59,380 Forces to combat Russia early in the 494 00:22:59,380 --> 00:23:02,790 crisis um must have impacted uh Putin's 495 00:23:02,790 --> 00:23:04,679 calculus in some way . How do you 496 00:23:04,679 --> 00:23:06,957 assess that it's impacted his calculus ? 497 00:23:06,957 --> 00:23:09,160 And do you have any concerns about 498 00:23:09,170 --> 00:23:12,320 pursuing a strategy um other than than 499 00:23:12,320 --> 00:23:14,720 ambiguity And as far as far as 500 00:23:14,720 --> 00:23:17,240 deterrence goes and to Chairman Milley , 501 00:23:17,550 --> 00:23:19,420 if President biden responds by 502 00:23:19,420 --> 00:23:21,642 deploying us troops and nature's NATO's 503 00:23:21,642 --> 00:23:23,364 eastern flank or with economic 504 00:23:23,364 --> 00:23:25,531 sanctions , how do you anticipate that 505 00:23:25,531 --> 00:23:27,531 Russia will retaliate ? How are you 506 00:23:27,531 --> 00:23:29,698 preparing for potential retaliation in 507 00:23:29,698 --> 00:23:31,531 europe ? And and and how are you 508 00:23:31,531 --> 00:23:33,531 preparing for potential retaliation 509 00:23:33,531 --> 00:23:35,420 against the homeland , perhaps by 510 00:23:35,420 --> 00:23:37,476 Russian use of cyber warfare . Thank 511 00:23:37,476 --> 00:23:40,330 you . Thanks Phil . I won't speculate 512 00:23:40,340 --> 00:23:43,990 about what or how President Putin is 513 00:23:43,990 --> 00:23:46,580 thinking , I think that's been the 514 00:23:46,590 --> 00:23:50,380 question uh that everybody has , 515 00:23:50,390 --> 00:23:52,480 you know , what if he did something 516 00:23:52,480 --> 00:23:55,270 like this , what what would he possibly 517 00:23:55,280 --> 00:23:58,500 want to achieve ? So I won't speculate 518 00:23:58,500 --> 00:24:01,060 on that . I would say 519 00:24:02,040 --> 00:24:05,900 that our focus is to 520 00:24:05,900 --> 00:24:08,920 make sure that whatever happens , we're 521 00:24:08,920 --> 00:24:12,730 prepared to reassure our allies in the 522 00:24:12,730 --> 00:24:16,330 region and support NATO's efforts . And 523 00:24:16,330 --> 00:24:19,230 of course this is about NATO and the 524 00:24:19,230 --> 00:24:21,610 alliance ? And I would remind you that 525 00:24:21,610 --> 00:24:24,880 NATO is a defensive alliance . Again , 526 00:24:24,890 --> 00:24:26,946 you've heard the chairman talk about 527 00:24:26,946 --> 00:24:30,690 the resources that uh that NATO has . 528 00:24:30,700 --> 00:24:32,910 Uh and I think there are considerable 529 00:24:32,910 --> 00:24:35,770 resources and again it's important to 530 00:24:35,770 --> 00:24:37,881 make sure that we keep the alliance , 531 00:24:37,881 --> 00:24:39,460 the alliance united 532 00:24:41,640 --> 00:24:43,751 and Phil I would just echo that , you 533 00:24:43,751 --> 00:24:45,973 know , the the uniform U . S . Military 534 00:24:45,973 --> 00:24:47,751 is prepared to do whatever were 535 00:24:47,751 --> 00:24:49,918 directed to do . And we are increasing 536 00:24:49,918 --> 00:24:52,510 our readiness postures for units uh and 537 00:24:52,510 --> 00:24:54,343 and we'll be prepared to execute 538 00:24:54,343 --> 00:24:56,343 whatever the President Secretary of 539 00:24:56,343 --> 00:24:58,740 Defense uh require of us with respect 540 00:24:58,740 --> 00:25:00,962 to your question about the homeland and 541 00:25:00,962 --> 00:25:02,740 cyber and all of that . We have 542 00:25:02,740 --> 00:25:04,796 capabilities . I'm not gonna go into 543 00:25:04,796 --> 00:25:06,851 them here at the at the microphone , 544 00:25:06,851 --> 00:25:06,360 but we've got a significant amount of 545 00:25:06,360 --> 00:25:09,610 capabilities to defend uh and do 546 00:25:09,610 --> 00:25:11,666 whatever is necessary to protect the 547 00:25:11,666 --> 00:25:15,660 homeland . Okay , let me stick with the 548 00:25:15,670 --> 00:25:17,837 phone here and I think nancy Yousef is 549 00:25:17,837 --> 00:25:20,660 out there , nancy . Thank you sir . I 550 00:25:20,660 --> 00:25:22,750 have a question for each of you Mr 551 00:25:22,750 --> 00:25:24,806 Secretary this week , we heard about 552 00:25:24,806 --> 00:25:27,028 military commitments from Denmark , the 553 00:25:27,028 --> 00:25:29,139 Netherlands and Spain among others to 554 00:25:29,139 --> 00:25:31,306 defend the alliance . I'd like to talk 555 00:25:31,306 --> 00:25:33,528 to about one decision in particular and 556 00:25:33,528 --> 00:25:33,470 that is Canada's decision to keep as 557 00:25:33,470 --> 00:25:36,200 many as 400 trainers in Ukraine . The 558 00:25:36,200 --> 00:25:38,700 US has half that amount now with the US , 559 00:25:38,700 --> 00:25:40,589 consider sending more trainers or 560 00:25:40,589 --> 00:25:42,811 advisers or doesn't believe they're not 561 00:25:42,811 --> 00:25:45,033 there to deter Russian aggression . And 562 00:25:45,033 --> 00:25:47,144 Chairman Milley , do you believe that 563 00:25:47,144 --> 00:25:49,256 the Ukrainian armed forces have taken 564 00:25:49,256 --> 00:25:51,144 all the necessary steps to defend 565 00:25:51,144 --> 00:25:53,422 against a large scale Russian invasion ? 566 00:25:53,422 --> 00:25:55,478 Or do you fear that in their push to 567 00:25:55,478 --> 00:25:57,367 not provoke panic , the Ukrainian 568 00:25:57,367 --> 00:25:59,533 government has not done enough . Thank 569 00:25:59,533 --> 00:26:01,811 you . Thanks nancy . Let me at the top . 570 00:26:01,811 --> 00:26:04,750 Thank Canada and our other allies for 571 00:26:04,750 --> 00:26:07,640 what they continue to do alongside us 572 00:26:07,640 --> 00:26:09,560 to support Ukraine . 573 00:26:10,140 --> 00:26:13,940 Ii applaud their efforts and 574 00:26:13,940 --> 00:26:17,390 certainly we have had advisors and 575 00:26:17,390 --> 00:26:19,370 trainers there since 2014 as the 576 00:26:19,370 --> 00:26:22,770 chairman indicated earlier . Uh and uh 577 00:26:22,770 --> 00:26:26,420 and we remain focused on providing 578 00:26:26,430 --> 00:26:29,960 uh all of the assistance in terms of 579 00:26:30,240 --> 00:26:33,480 ah training and advising that Ukraine 580 00:26:33,700 --> 00:26:36,780 feels it needs and we worked that issue 581 00:26:36,780 --> 00:26:39,780 with them on a consistent basis . I 582 00:26:39,780 --> 00:26:43,400 would also say that it's all it's less 583 00:26:43,400 --> 00:26:47,020 about the specific number but about 584 00:26:47,030 --> 00:26:48,974 more about the capability that you 585 00:26:48,974 --> 00:26:51,197 bring and what you're focusing on . And 586 00:26:51,197 --> 00:26:54,050 in some cases it may take several more 587 00:26:54,050 --> 00:26:56,280 types of trainers to do to train on a 588 00:26:56,280 --> 00:26:59,270 specific event or or or skill in other 589 00:26:59,270 --> 00:27:02,790 cases . Less so . So rest assured that 590 00:27:02,790 --> 00:27:05,060 we are in constant communication with 591 00:27:05,240 --> 00:27:08,950 with Canada and the UK and everyone 592 00:27:08,950 --> 00:27:11,061 that's that's providing assistance to 593 00:27:11,061 --> 00:27:14,030 Ukraine at this point in time . And for 594 00:27:14,030 --> 00:27:16,086 me , I'm I'm not going to comment on 595 00:27:16,086 --> 00:27:18,252 the composition and the disposition of 596 00:27:18,252 --> 00:27:20,610 the readiness of the Ukraine forces in 597 00:27:20,610 --> 00:27:22,720 any kind of detail , I don't think 598 00:27:22,720 --> 00:27:25,053 that'd be appropriate for me to do that . 599 00:27:25,053 --> 00:27:26,776 Um Given the given the current 600 00:27:26,776 --> 00:27:29,860 situation , Barb 601 00:27:30,830 --> 00:27:33,210 question for both of you , Mr Secretary , 602 00:27:33,220 --> 00:27:35,930 you've talked a bit here today about us 603 00:27:35,930 --> 00:27:38,460 troops providing reassurance and 604 00:27:38,460 --> 00:27:42,210 deterrence to the eastern flank of 605 00:27:42,220 --> 00:27:44,660 europe . Can you help people understand 606 00:27:45,040 --> 00:27:47,800 a little bit more about what that means 607 00:27:47,810 --> 00:27:50,010 in terms of what U . S . Troops would 608 00:27:50,010 --> 00:27:53,550 be doing to fulfill that mission ? How 609 00:27:53,550 --> 00:27:55,494 do you know when you're done ? You 610 00:27:55,494 --> 00:27:57,550 don't send troops unless you have an 611 00:27:57,550 --> 00:27:59,980 exit strategy . What would it take for 612 00:27:59,980 --> 00:28:02,860 you to ever trust Vladimir Putin 613 00:28:03,640 --> 00:28:07,110 and General Milley ? You laid out 614 00:28:08,230 --> 00:28:11,150 some pretty dire scenarios if the 615 00:28:11,150 --> 00:28:13,483 Russians decided to make that full move . 616 00:28:13,840 --> 00:28:15,951 Could you explain a little bit more ? 617 00:28:15,951 --> 00:28:18,062 You you mentioned , for example , the 618 00:28:18,062 --> 00:28:21,360 capital Kiev , um , how 619 00:28:21,360 --> 00:28:23,640 disastrous could it be in your 620 00:28:23,650 --> 00:28:27,210 assessment ? Are you looking at massive 621 00:28:27,210 --> 00:28:29,321 civilian casualties ? Are you looking 622 00:28:29,321 --> 00:28:32,230 at massive refugee flows , the impact 623 00:28:32,240 --> 00:28:35,780 on the security of europe that has 624 00:28:35,780 --> 00:28:38,720 existed for so many decades . If the 625 00:28:38,720 --> 00:28:41,640 scenario you're laying out were to come 626 00:28:41,640 --> 00:28:44,530 true ? Thank you both . In terms of our 627 00:28:44,530 --> 00:28:48,110 reassurance efforts . Barb as you know , 628 00:28:48,110 --> 00:28:52,060 we have had a number of forces 629 00:28:52,070 --> 00:28:55,950 in the in the region training with 630 00:28:55,960 --> 00:28:59,500 uh the eastern european countries , uh , 631 00:28:59,510 --> 00:29:01,710 those forces , uh and that that's 632 00:29:01,720 --> 00:29:03,720 that's been going on for quite some 633 00:29:03,720 --> 00:29:06,600 time and those forces uh provide great 634 00:29:06,600 --> 00:29:09,990 value . Just their presence reassures 635 00:29:10,000 --> 00:29:12,480 our partners there that that we're 636 00:29:12,490 --> 00:29:14,323 interested in them interested in 637 00:29:14,323 --> 00:29:16,490 helping them the types of things we do 638 00:29:16,490 --> 00:29:20,210 with them routinely is is trained with 639 00:29:20,210 --> 00:29:22,680 them and enable them and and and really 640 00:29:22,690 --> 00:29:25,200 increase their level of readiness . Uh 641 00:29:25,200 --> 00:29:27,367 and uh and so that's been very helpful 642 00:29:27,367 --> 00:29:30,230 to them . Uh and it has strengthened 643 00:29:30,230 --> 00:29:33,380 our bonds with our with our allies and 644 00:29:33,380 --> 00:29:36,390 partners in the region . Um These are 645 00:29:36,390 --> 00:29:39,320 temporary deployments and and 646 00:29:39,320 --> 00:29:43,060 so again , we will 647 00:29:43,060 --> 00:29:46,370 continue to sort sort this out as we go 648 00:29:46,370 --> 00:29:49,190 forward . But again , we are focused on 649 00:29:49,190 --> 00:29:51,357 NATO , we're focused on reassuring our 650 00:29:51,357 --> 00:29:53,550 allies and that's what this is all 651 00:29:53,550 --> 00:29:56,960 about in terms of trusting Putin . 652 00:29:58,240 --> 00:30:00,296 I don't think this is about trusting 653 00:30:00,296 --> 00:30:02,240 Putin , This is about our allies , 654 00:30:02,240 --> 00:30:05,200 trusting us . And so that's really what 655 00:30:05,200 --> 00:30:08,660 we're focused on . Uh and and we , 656 00:30:09,540 --> 00:30:12,400 you know , Mr Putin uh at some point in 657 00:30:12,400 --> 00:30:14,678 time we will reveal what he's thinking . 658 00:30:14,678 --> 00:30:16,900 But again , I'm not sure that he's made 659 00:30:16,900 --> 00:30:19,067 the final decisions on what he's gonna 660 00:30:19,067 --> 00:30:21,540 do yet . And Barbara , let me first say 661 00:30:21,540 --> 00:30:24,170 that as a as a secretary set up front 662 00:30:25,120 --> 00:30:26,953 right now , we don't think final 663 00:30:26,953 --> 00:30:29,290 decisions have been made to conduct any 664 00:30:29,290 --> 00:30:31,123 sort of offensive operation into 665 00:30:31,123 --> 00:30:33,123 Ukraine by the Russians . Uh and we 666 00:30:33,123 --> 00:30:35,234 firmly believe there's still room for 667 00:30:35,234 --> 00:30:37,346 diplomatic outcome here . Having said 668 00:30:37,346 --> 00:30:39,512 that given the type of forces that are 669 00:30:39,512 --> 00:30:41,568 arrayed the ground maneuver forces , 670 00:30:41,568 --> 00:30:43,846 the artillery , the ballistic missiles , 671 00:30:43,846 --> 00:30:45,960 the air force's all of it packaged 672 00:30:45,960 --> 00:30:49,240 together if that was unleashed on 673 00:30:49,240 --> 00:30:51,820 Ukraine , it would be significant , 674 00:30:51,830 --> 00:30:54,690 very significant and it would result in 675 00:30:54,690 --> 00:30:57,360 a significant amount of casualties . Uh 676 00:30:57,370 --> 00:31:00,020 and you can imagine what that might 677 00:31:00,020 --> 00:31:02,950 look like in dense urban areas along 678 00:31:02,950 --> 00:31:05,172 roads and so on and so forth . It would 679 00:31:05,172 --> 00:31:07,339 be horrific . It would be terrible and 680 00:31:07,339 --> 00:31:09,228 it's not necessary and we think a 681 00:31:09,228 --> 00:31:11,228 diplomatic outcome is the way to go 682 00:31:11,228 --> 00:31:14,800 here very quickly followed . Can you do 683 00:31:14,800 --> 00:31:17,620 you have a view ? Can you either of you 684 00:31:17,630 --> 00:31:21,440 can you keep us forces from having to 685 00:31:21,450 --> 00:31:23,980 deal with Russian forces directly ? If 686 00:31:23,980 --> 00:31:26,202 you're reinforcing eastern europe , for 687 00:31:26,202 --> 00:31:28,730 example , can will U . S . Forces 688 00:31:28,740 --> 00:31:31,530 potentially be in missions against 689 00:31:31,530 --> 00:31:33,752 Russian forces ? Can you keep them away 690 00:31:33,752 --> 00:31:36,890 from Russian forces ? Again , our 691 00:31:36,890 --> 00:31:39,780 presence there helps to reassure our 692 00:31:39,790 --> 00:31:43,350 our partners on the in the front line 693 00:31:43,350 --> 00:31:47,190 countries there and You know , 694 00:31:47,190 --> 00:31:49,079 barb that we have an Article five 695 00:31:49,079 --> 00:31:51,134 commitment to our NATO partners . Uh 696 00:31:51,134 --> 00:31:54,690 and so if if if Putin were to attack 697 00:31:54,690 --> 00:31:56,912 one of those countries , then of course 698 00:31:56,912 --> 00:31:58,968 that commitment , that's an ironclad 699 00:31:58,968 --> 00:32:01,079 commitment . The president has said a 700 00:32:01,079 --> 00:32:03,134 number of times that uh that we will 701 00:32:03,134 --> 00:32:05,357 live up to that commitment . And so but 702 00:32:05,357 --> 00:32:08,270 but again , our focus is not on 703 00:32:08,340 --> 00:32:10,490 fighting in Ukraine , it's on 704 00:32:10,490 --> 00:32:13,550 reassuring our NATO partners and allies . 705 00:32:14,910 --> 00:32:17,770 Just one more . One more sure 706 00:32:19,680 --> 00:32:21,950 time for one more . Yeah . Yeah . So 707 00:32:21,950 --> 00:32:24,860 let's go to louis in a from abc . 708 00:32:26,670 --> 00:32:28,726 Yes , sir , thank you to both of you 709 00:32:28,726 --> 00:32:30,892 for doing this precinct today . Um I'd 710 00:32:30,892 --> 00:32:33,059 like to go back to something that lita 711 00:32:33,059 --> 00:32:35,170 asked at the top and the way that you 712 00:32:35,170 --> 00:32:37,337 framed the response about provocations 713 00:32:37,337 --> 00:32:39,860 and how they're perceived um by Russia . 714 00:32:40,240 --> 00:32:43,060 Typically you do not disclose , prepare 715 00:32:43,060 --> 00:32:46,050 to deploy orders um particularly when 716 00:32:46,050 --> 00:32:48,161 you're talking about large numbers of 717 00:32:48,161 --> 00:32:50,272 forces like the 8500 that you put out 718 00:32:50,272 --> 00:32:52,860 this week . Um What was the calculus in 719 00:32:52,860 --> 00:32:55,027 doing that ? Are you sending a message 720 00:32:55,027 --> 00:32:57,249 to Russia ? And is it possible that the 721 00:32:57,249 --> 00:33:00,210 way they see that um they may see that 722 00:33:00,210 --> 00:33:01,877 themselves as a provocation . 723 00:33:04,040 --> 00:33:07,860 Again , our focus is on making sure 724 00:33:07,860 --> 00:33:11,610 that we're ready to to look 725 00:33:11,610 --> 00:33:15,610 to live up to our 726 00:33:15,610 --> 00:33:17,666 commitment to NATO . Should the NATO 727 00:33:17,666 --> 00:33:20,490 response force be activated by NATO ? 728 00:33:20,500 --> 00:33:24,220 Uh This uh this putting our forces on a 729 00:33:24,220 --> 00:33:27,040 shorter string enables us to get there 730 00:33:27,040 --> 00:33:30,910 in a in a shorter period of time . And 731 00:33:30,910 --> 00:33:32,577 again , I think that provides 732 00:33:32,577 --> 00:33:35,660 reassurance to NATO that that we're 733 00:33:36,040 --> 00:33:38,940 ready to live up to our commitments in 734 00:33:38,940 --> 00:33:42,690 terms of what Putin thinks and 735 00:33:42,690 --> 00:33:44,579 and uh and the way he feels about 736 00:33:44,579 --> 00:33:46,801 things . Again , it's hard to predict , 737 00:33:46,801 --> 00:33:48,912 we we take those kinds of things into 738 00:33:48,912 --> 00:33:51,079 consideration . But but again , if you 739 00:33:51,079 --> 00:33:53,134 look at the forces that he has moved 740 00:33:53,134 --> 00:33:55,246 into the region and that he continues 741 00:33:55,246 --> 00:33:57,600 to move into the region , uh you know , 742 00:33:57,610 --> 00:33:59,666 there was no provocation that caused 743 00:33:59,666 --> 00:34:03,150 him to move those forces . So uh you 744 00:34:03,150 --> 00:34:06,500 know , we'll continue to listen to what 745 00:34:06,500 --> 00:34:09,760 he says and watch what he does german 746 00:34:11,030 --> 00:34:14,100 yeah , I would echo all of that with 747 00:34:14,100 --> 00:34:16,322 respect to the P . T . D . O . Forces , 748 00:34:17,280 --> 00:34:19,190 You know , for 20 years . Iraq 749 00:34:19,190 --> 00:34:21,520 Afghanistan etc . We've announced when 750 00:34:21,520 --> 00:34:23,790 forces are rotating etcetera . Uh We 751 00:34:23,790 --> 00:34:26,620 attempt to be transparent with you and 752 00:34:26,630 --> 00:34:28,797 Congress and the american people on uh 753 00:34:28,797 --> 00:34:30,963 the use and the deployment of military 754 00:34:30,963 --> 00:34:33,200 forces . Uh we alerted based on the 755 00:34:33,200 --> 00:34:35,367 direction from the President Secretary 756 00:34:35,367 --> 00:34:37,367 defense , we increase the readiness 757 00:34:37,367 --> 00:34:39,533 status of these forces . So the forces 758 00:34:39,533 --> 00:34:41,644 themselves have been told . Uh and we 759 00:34:41,644 --> 00:34:43,870 think it's a better from from a 760 00:34:43,870 --> 00:34:45,759 transparency standpoint better to 761 00:34:45,759 --> 00:34:47,870 inform you the media and the american 762 00:34:47,870 --> 00:34:50,037 people and Congress of the forces that 763 00:34:50,037 --> 00:34:52,203 are out there that are being alerted . 764 00:34:52,203 --> 00:34:55,410 In addition to that the piece about uh 765 00:34:55,420 --> 00:34:57,476 you know assuring and deterring with 766 00:34:57,476 --> 00:34:59,476 respect to our NATO allies . But we 767 00:34:59,476 --> 00:35:01,253 think it's also important to be 768 00:35:01,253 --> 00:35:00,550 transparent with you and the american 769 00:35:00,550 --> 00:35:02,772 people about what we're doing with your 770 00:35:02,772 --> 00:35:04,994 military . Thank you all we have to get 771 00:35:04,994 --> 00:35:06,050 going . Thank you so much . Gentlemen .