1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:00,000 2 00:00:08,340 --> 00:00:10,562 Good afternoon . Everyone today was the 3 00:00:10,562 --> 00:00:12,960 fourth convening of the Ukraine Defense 4 00:00:12,960 --> 00:00:14,960 contact group . The second one held 5 00:00:14,960 --> 00:00:16,849 virtually . We'll start with some 6 00:00:16,849 --> 00:00:18,849 opening remarks by the Secretary of 7 00:00:18,849 --> 00:00:20,738 Defense , Lloyd Austin and by the 8 00:00:20,738 --> 00:00:22,849 Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 9 00:00:22,849 --> 00:00:25,071 General , Mark Milley . Following their 10 00:00:25,071 --> 00:00:24,800 remarks , we'll open the floor up to 11 00:00:24,800 --> 00:00:26,578 some questions and with that Mr 12 00:00:26,578 --> 00:00:28,600 Secretary , Thanks . Good afternoon 13 00:00:28,600 --> 00:00:30,656 everyone . It's good to be here with 14 00:00:30,656 --> 00:00:33,160 you . We've had a very productive 15 00:00:33,170 --> 00:00:35,360 morning at our fourth meeting of the 16 00:00:35,840 --> 00:00:38,220 Ukraine Defense Contact Group which we 17 00:00:38,230 --> 00:00:40,008 conducted virtually this time . 18 00:00:41,040 --> 00:00:43,207 Russia's cruel and unprovoked invasion 19 00:00:43,207 --> 00:00:45,429 has spurred the international community 20 00:00:45,429 --> 00:00:47,510 into action . And today's meeting is 21 00:00:47,510 --> 00:00:50,010 just another sign of the way that 22 00:00:50,010 --> 00:00:52,121 nations of goodwill are rising to the 23 00:00:52,121 --> 00:00:54,830 moment . The security assistance that 24 00:00:54,830 --> 00:00:56,941 we are rushing to Ukraine is making a 25 00:00:56,941 --> 00:01:00,000 real difference in real time . And 26 00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:02,056 everyone in a contact group has been 27 00:01:02,056 --> 00:01:03,778 inspired by the courage of the 28 00:01:03,778 --> 00:01:06,650 Ukrainian people and the skill of the 29 00:01:06,650 --> 00:01:09,510 Ukrainian military And that's why 30 00:01:09,510 --> 00:01:11,566 ministers and chiefs of defense from 31 00:01:11,566 --> 00:01:15,020 some 50 countries join us today at our 32 00:01:15,020 --> 00:01:18,000 meeting Now throughout its reckless war 33 00:01:18,000 --> 00:01:21,450 of choice , Russia has tried and failed 34 00:01:21,450 --> 00:01:23,506 to break the morale of the Ukrainian 35 00:01:23,506 --> 00:01:25,950 armed forces as they defend their home . 36 00:01:27,440 --> 00:01:29,440 Ukraine's leadership also stands 37 00:01:29,450 --> 00:01:33,380 unbowed and unflinching and we were 38 00:01:33,380 --> 00:01:36,530 fortunate today to have the opportunity 39 00:01:36,580 --> 00:01:38,960 to hear directly from my good friend 40 00:01:39,540 --> 00:01:41,700 Alexey Reznikoff , Ukraine's Minister 41 00:01:41,700 --> 00:01:43,920 of Defense and Lieutenant General 42 00:01:43,920 --> 00:01:47,010 moisture . Ukraine's Deputy Chief of 43 00:01:47,010 --> 00:01:50,650 Defense . I'm grateful to these brave 44 00:01:50,650 --> 00:01:52,761 leaders for taking the time to update 45 00:01:52,761 --> 00:01:54,460 us on Ukraine's most urgent 46 00:01:54,460 --> 00:01:57,430 requirements . They also provided us 47 00:01:57,430 --> 00:01:59,486 with an important battlefield update 48 00:02:00,140 --> 00:02:01,973 and they described how Russia is 49 00:02:01,973 --> 00:02:04,029 massing artillery and rocket fire in 50 00:02:04,029 --> 00:02:06,910 its desperate aggressive push to see 51 00:02:06,910 --> 00:02:08,966 sovereign Ukrainian territory in the 52 00:02:08,966 --> 00:02:12,050 Donbas . Everyone today 53 00:02:12,840 --> 00:02:16,560 understands the stakes . But the 54 00:02:16,560 --> 00:02:18,782 results of the contact group's security 55 00:02:18,782 --> 00:02:20,838 assistance are clear on the ground . 56 00:02:21,240 --> 00:02:23,380 Ukrainian forces are now using long 57 00:02:23,380 --> 00:02:25,560 range rocket systems to great effect , 58 00:02:25,940 --> 00:02:28,570 including high mars provided by the 59 00:02:28,570 --> 00:02:30,626 United States and other systems from 60 00:02:30,626 --> 00:02:33,290 our allies and partners . Ukraine's 61 00:02:33,290 --> 00:02:35,234 defenders are pushing hard to halt 62 00:02:35,234 --> 00:02:38,970 Russia's advances in the Donbass . The 63 00:02:38,970 --> 00:02:41,450 international community has also worked 64 00:02:41,450 --> 00:02:44,210 hard to provide Ukraine with better 65 00:02:44,220 --> 00:02:47,130 coastal defense capabilities and that 66 00:02:47,130 --> 00:02:49,420 directly contributed to Ukraine's 67 00:02:49,420 --> 00:02:52,460 victory on Snake Island and it has 68 00:02:52,460 --> 00:02:54,610 helped prevent a Russian landing in 69 00:02:54,610 --> 00:02:58,220 Odessa . But Russia is keeping up its 70 00:02:58,220 --> 00:03:00,880 relentless shelling and that's a cruel 71 00:03:00,880 --> 00:03:03,102 tactic that harkens back to the horrors 72 00:03:03,102 --> 00:03:06,710 of World War One . So , Ukraine needs a 73 00:03:06,710 --> 00:03:09,890 fire power and the ammunition to 74 00:03:09,890 --> 00:03:11,946 withstand this barrage and to strike 75 00:03:11,946 --> 00:03:13,946 back at the Russian Russian weapons 76 00:03:13,946 --> 00:03:16,380 launching these attacks from inside 77 00:03:16,380 --> 00:03:19,830 Ukraine's own territory . And so we 78 00:03:19,830 --> 00:03:22,820 understand the urgency we're pushing 79 00:03:22,820 --> 00:03:24,890 hard to maintain and intensify the 80 00:03:24,890 --> 00:03:28,230 momentum of donations and that includes 81 00:03:28,230 --> 00:03:30,063 many new announcements made this 82 00:03:30,063 --> 00:03:32,270 morning . We're seeing countries from 83 00:03:32,270 --> 00:03:34,400 all around the world continue to step 84 00:03:34,400 --> 00:03:37,210 up with critically needed systems and 85 00:03:37,210 --> 00:03:40,260 ammunition . It has been truly an 86 00:03:40,260 --> 00:03:43,650 inspiring effort . Some of our allies 87 00:03:43,650 --> 00:03:45,650 and partners are training Ukraine's 88 00:03:45,650 --> 00:03:48,210 forces . Some are refurbishing 89 00:03:48,210 --> 00:03:51,600 Ukraine's equipment and some are 90 00:03:51,600 --> 00:03:53,490 providing spare parts and combat 91 00:03:53,490 --> 00:03:57,300 enablers as well . Countries including 92 00:03:57,310 --> 00:03:59,680 the Czech Republic Poland and the UK 93 00:03:59,680 --> 00:04:01,458 are working with their domestic 94 00:04:01,458 --> 00:04:03,900 industrial bases to find ways to help 95 00:04:03,900 --> 00:04:06,990 Ukraine even more quickly in other 96 00:04:06,990 --> 00:04:08,900 countries such as our Baltic and 97 00:04:08,900 --> 00:04:10,567 Australian allies continue to 98 00:04:10,567 --> 00:04:12,940 generously deliver items from their own 99 00:04:12,940 --> 00:04:16,700 stockpiles . I'm especially grateful to 100 00:04:16,700 --> 00:04:18,980 Poland for serving as a linchpin of our 101 00:04:18,980 --> 00:04:21,800 security assistance efforts As well as 102 00:04:21,800 --> 00:04:24,370 donating more than $1.7 billion dollars 103 00:04:24,370 --> 00:04:27,000 in military equipment . I'd like to 104 00:04:27,000 --> 00:04:29,330 thank Norway for its strong cooperation 105 00:04:29,330 --> 00:04:31,630 in providing Ukraine with the knee . 106 00:04:31,630 --> 00:04:34,430 SaM's air defense system . I'm very 107 00:04:34,430 --> 00:04:36,597 thankful to these countries and to all 108 00:04:36,597 --> 00:04:38,819 the countries that have offered eight . 109 00:04:38,819 --> 00:04:40,930 I'm confident that these efforts will 110 00:04:40,930 --> 00:04:44,040 continue to grow now . As you know , 111 00:04:44,040 --> 00:04:46,151 we've provided the Ukrainians with 12 112 00:04:46,151 --> 00:04:48,310 high MARS multiple launch rocket 113 00:04:48,310 --> 00:04:50,310 systems to further strengthen their 114 00:04:50,310 --> 00:04:52,510 long range fires capability . And I 115 00:04:52,510 --> 00:04:54,566 think that everyone here understands 116 00:04:54,566 --> 00:04:56,788 the difference that they've made on the 117 00:04:56,788 --> 00:04:58,843 ground . As you heard me say , we're 118 00:04:58,843 --> 00:05:01,290 also committed to providing to Nissan's 119 00:05:01,290 --> 00:05:03,290 air defense systems to help Ukraine 120 00:05:03,290 --> 00:05:05,530 protect its troops and civilians from 121 00:05:05,530 --> 00:05:07,970 Russian missile attacks . We're 122 00:05:07,970 --> 00:05:09,970 committed to sending more high MARS 123 00:05:09,970 --> 00:05:12,070 munitions and precision guided 124 00:05:12,070 --> 00:05:14,237 artillery , ammunition and other vital 125 00:05:14,237 --> 00:05:16,620 support . The United States will 126 00:05:16,620 --> 00:05:19,160 continue to push and to lead 127 00:05:20,440 --> 00:05:23,000 you see that yet again in our next new 128 00:05:23,000 --> 00:05:25,460 presidential drawdown of weapons and 129 00:05:25,460 --> 00:05:28,110 equipment to help Ukraine defend itself . 130 00:05:28,110 --> 00:05:30,980 Which will announce later this week It 131 00:05:30,980 --> 00:05:33,260 will be our 16th drawdown of equipment 132 00:05:33,260 --> 00:05:36,650 from D . O . D Inventory since August 133 00:05:36,650 --> 00:05:39,210 2021 . it will include four more high 134 00:05:39,210 --> 00:05:41,154 mars advanced rocket systems for a 135 00:05:41,154 --> 00:05:44,230 total of 16 . The Ukrainians have made 136 00:05:44,240 --> 00:05:46,407 excellent use of high MArs and you can 137 00:05:46,407 --> 00:05:49,290 see the impact on the battlefield . The 138 00:05:49,290 --> 00:05:51,160 new package will also include 139 00:05:51,160 --> 00:05:53,460 additional gamblers and that's those 140 00:05:53,460 --> 00:05:56,570 are the rockets that that are used on a 141 00:05:56,570 --> 00:05:58,700 high MArs and will also provide more 142 00:05:58,700 --> 00:06:02,060 rounds of artillery ammunition . Now 143 00:06:02,070 --> 00:06:04,300 we're not working just to provide 144 00:06:04,310 --> 00:06:06,532 security assistance in the short term . 145 00:06:07,040 --> 00:06:08,910 One of one key theme of today's 146 00:06:08,910 --> 00:06:10,966 discussion was ensuring that Ukraine 147 00:06:10,966 --> 00:06:13,360 can sustain the fight to defend itself 148 00:06:13,370 --> 00:06:15,910 and its citizens . So we're even more 149 00:06:15,910 --> 00:06:19,170 focused on Ukraine's near term needs as 150 00:06:19,170 --> 00:06:21,226 we're even more focused on Ukraine's 151 00:06:21,226 --> 00:06:23,281 near term needs . We're also looking 152 00:06:23,281 --> 00:06:25,170 ahead to provide Ukraine with the 153 00:06:25,170 --> 00:06:27,114 capabilities that it will need for 154 00:06:27,114 --> 00:06:29,170 deterrence and self defense over the 155 00:06:29,170 --> 00:06:31,392 longer term . You know , the resolve of 156 00:06:31,392 --> 00:06:33,392 the resolving the resilience of the 157 00:06:33,392 --> 00:06:35,337 Ukrainian people have inspired the 158 00:06:35,337 --> 00:06:37,850 world as President biden has said , 159 00:06:38,240 --> 00:06:40,462 United States is leading the way and we 160 00:06:40,462 --> 00:06:42,407 won't let up . We're going to keep 161 00:06:42,407 --> 00:06:44,890 moving at the speed of war . We're 162 00:06:44,890 --> 00:06:46,946 gonna make clear that might does not 163 00:06:46,946 --> 00:06:49,280 make right . We're gonna stand strong 164 00:06:49,280 --> 00:06:51,391 with our fellow contact group members 165 00:06:51,740 --> 00:06:53,796 and we're going to support Ukraine's 166 00:06:53,796 --> 00:06:56,850 self defense for the long haul and 167 00:06:56,850 --> 00:06:58,970 we're going to defend the rules based 168 00:06:58,980 --> 00:07:02,100 international order that protects us 169 00:07:02,100 --> 00:07:04,700 all . So thank you very much and I'll 170 00:07:04,800 --> 00:07:06,856 now turn it over to General Milley . 171 00:07:07,740 --> 00:07:09,962 Good afternoon everyone . And thank you 172 00:07:09,962 --> 00:07:12,129 Secretary Austin for your comments and 173 00:07:12,129 --> 00:07:14,184 also for your continued leadership . 174 00:07:14,184 --> 00:07:16,296 This group . This contact group would 175 00:07:16,296 --> 00:07:18,351 not be happening without you . And I 176 00:07:18,351 --> 00:07:20,573 too want to thank all the members . The 177 00:07:20,573 --> 00:07:22,740 Minister is the Chiefs of Defense That 178 00:07:22,740 --> 00:07:24,907 participated today . Over 50 countries 179 00:07:24,907 --> 00:07:26,907 in this contact group and it's it's 180 00:07:26,907 --> 00:07:29,480 quite a meeting . Additionally , I'd 181 00:07:29,480 --> 00:07:32,330 like to thank General . Uh he's the 182 00:07:32,330 --> 00:07:34,810 Ukrainian Deputy Chief of Defense . He 183 00:07:34,810 --> 00:07:37,032 represented my friend , my partner , my 184 00:07:37,032 --> 00:07:39,650 colleague Ukrainian counterpart who I 185 00:07:39,650 --> 00:07:41,872 talked to frequently generals eludes me 186 00:07:41,872 --> 00:07:43,983 and I just had a lengthy conversation 187 00:07:43,983 --> 00:07:45,872 with him just the other day and I 188 00:07:45,872 --> 00:07:45,760 talked to him several times a week . 189 00:07:46,540 --> 00:07:49,090 Today is five months since Russia 190 00:07:49,090 --> 00:07:51,730 launched its illegal invasion . While 191 00:07:51,730 --> 00:07:54,060 the Russians have achieved some 192 00:07:54,060 --> 00:07:56,060 incremental tactical success in the 193 00:07:56,060 --> 00:07:58,590 Donbass over the last several weeks and 194 00:07:58,590 --> 00:08:01,590 actually months they have failed to 195 00:08:01,590 --> 00:08:03,812 achieve their strategic and operational 196 00:08:03,812 --> 00:08:07,430 objectives , capable and defiant people 197 00:08:07,430 --> 00:08:10,460 of Ukraine , their capital still stands , 198 00:08:10,840 --> 00:08:13,800 Their army still fights and their 199 00:08:13,800 --> 00:08:16,320 people are more determined now than 200 00:08:16,320 --> 00:08:20,120 ever to preserve their democracy . The 201 00:08:20,120 --> 00:08:22,940 Russian failure is because of the 202 00:08:22,950 --> 00:08:25,780 inspiring the bravery , the resolve , 203 00:08:26,060 --> 00:08:28,171 the courage , the resistance with the 204 00:08:28,171 --> 00:08:31,470 Ukrainian people . It's also because of 205 00:08:31,480 --> 00:08:33,147 nations coming together , the 206 00:08:33,147 --> 00:08:35,369 international community coming together 207 00:08:35,640 --> 00:08:38,360 under US leadership to form this 208 00:08:38,360 --> 00:08:40,304 present day arsenal of democracy . 209 00:08:41,140 --> 00:08:43,140 Freedom loving countries around the 210 00:08:43,140 --> 00:08:45,480 globe have a stake in preserving the 211 00:08:45,480 --> 00:08:47,258 rules based international order 212 00:08:47,440 --> 00:08:50,130 collectively . We cannot allow the 213 00:08:50,130 --> 00:08:53,730 strong to conquer the week or tolerate 214 00:08:53,730 --> 00:08:57,250 the idea that might makes right . The 215 00:08:57,250 --> 00:08:59,580 unprovoked Russian aggression has 216 00:08:59,580 --> 00:09:02,450 profound consequences not only in 217 00:09:02,450 --> 00:09:05,320 Ukraine but across europe and indeed 218 00:09:05,410 --> 00:09:08,040 across the globe . So the President , 219 00:09:08,040 --> 00:09:10,870 United States is directed that we stand 220 00:09:10,870 --> 00:09:14,530 by Ukraine in their hour of need . So 221 00:09:14,530 --> 00:09:16,252 we will continue to supply the 222 00:09:16,252 --> 00:09:18,363 Ukrainians with the weapons they need 223 00:09:18,363 --> 00:09:20,363 to defend their homeland and resist 224 00:09:20,363 --> 00:09:22,640 Russian aggression . When I addressed 225 00:09:22,640 --> 00:09:24,696 this group last month , we're in the 226 00:09:24,696 --> 00:09:26,529 midst of shipping high mars into 227 00:09:26,529 --> 00:09:28,696 Ukraine and training the Ukrainians on 228 00:09:28,696 --> 00:09:30,529 that weapon system . Today , the 229 00:09:30,529 --> 00:09:32,584 Ukrainians are effectively employing 230 00:09:32,584 --> 00:09:34,418 these high morals . Were strikes 231 00:09:34,418 --> 00:09:36,418 against Russian command and control 232 00:09:36,418 --> 00:09:38,570 nodes , their logistical networks , 233 00:09:38,570 --> 00:09:40,681 their field artillery and air defense 234 00:09:40,681 --> 00:09:42,780 sites and many other targets . These 235 00:09:42,780 --> 00:09:44,760 strikes are steadily degrading the 236 00:09:44,760 --> 00:09:47,110 Russian ability to supply their troops 237 00:09:47,110 --> 00:09:49,332 command and control of their forces and 238 00:09:49,332 --> 00:09:51,340 carry out their illegal war of 239 00:09:51,340 --> 00:09:53,310 aggression . The fact that the 240 00:09:53,310 --> 00:09:55,477 Ukrainians were able to quickly deploy 241 00:09:55,477 --> 00:09:57,970 these systems speaks highly other 242 00:09:57,970 --> 00:09:59,859 ability , their ingenuity , their 243 00:09:59,859 --> 00:10:01,692 artillery ability , there gunner 244 00:10:01,692 --> 00:10:03,920 capability , their determination and 245 00:10:03,920 --> 00:10:06,590 their will to fight . As of today , we 246 00:10:06,590 --> 00:10:08,423 have transferred 12 high Mars to 247 00:10:08,423 --> 00:10:11,160 Ukraine . This is part of more than 20 248 00:10:11,710 --> 00:10:13,821 that the United States and our allies 249 00:10:13,821 --> 00:10:17,510 have committed trained also are 200 250 00:10:17,510 --> 00:10:20,020 Ukrainians on the high mars . And that 251 00:10:20,020 --> 00:10:22,670 training continues with many more and 252 00:10:22,670 --> 00:10:24,614 we've transferred as the secretary 253 00:10:24,614 --> 00:10:27,380 indicated hundreds of kindler munitions . 254 00:10:28,140 --> 00:10:29,751 When the President signs the 255 00:10:29,751 --> 00:10:31,751 authorization to provide weapons or 256 00:10:31,751 --> 00:10:34,230 ammunition to Ukrainians . These items 257 00:10:34,230 --> 00:10:37,160 begin moving Within days . The average 258 00:10:37,160 --> 00:10:40,620 is about 48-72 hours before the initial 259 00:10:40,620 --> 00:10:43,750 shipments . They're in Ukrainian hands 260 00:10:43,860 --> 00:10:46,070 just a week or so later on the front 261 00:10:46,070 --> 00:10:49,830 line , Secretary Austin and I remain 262 00:10:49,830 --> 00:10:51,941 in regular contact with our Ukrainian 263 00:10:51,941 --> 00:10:53,663 counterparts and everything we 264 00:10:53,663 --> 00:10:55,886 recommended to . The President is based 265 00:10:55,886 --> 00:10:57,660 on these conversations and our 266 00:10:57,660 --> 00:10:59,750 professional analysis here and in 267 00:10:59,750 --> 00:11:02,990 combination with us , you come and that 268 00:11:02,990 --> 00:11:05,101 is to support the requirements of the 269 00:11:05,101 --> 00:11:07,770 current and future fight . This phase , 270 00:11:07,770 --> 00:11:09,937 the current phase of the war continues 271 00:11:10,340 --> 00:11:12,710 to be a battle of attrition executed 272 00:11:12,710 --> 00:11:14,710 through sustainment and really long 273 00:11:14,710 --> 00:11:17,720 range fires . In the near term , the 274 00:11:17,720 --> 00:11:19,720 Russians will likely continue using 275 00:11:19,720 --> 00:11:21,942 heavy artillery bombardments to achieve 276 00:11:21,942 --> 00:11:24,560 their limited gains in the east . 277 00:11:25,140 --> 00:11:27,140 However , these tactical gains have 278 00:11:27,140 --> 00:11:29,330 come at an incredible cost in terms of 279 00:11:29,330 --> 00:11:31,163 Russian casualties and destroyed 280 00:11:31,163 --> 00:11:33,330 equipment . The contact group that met 281 00:11:33,330 --> 00:11:35,930 today intends to continue supplying the 282 00:11:35,930 --> 00:11:37,986 Ukrainians to defend their country , 283 00:11:37,986 --> 00:11:40,208 impose costs and compel the Russians to 284 00:11:40,208 --> 00:11:41,874 cease their unprovoked war of 285 00:11:41,874 --> 00:11:45,750 aggression . Today is day 147 286 00:11:46,520 --> 00:11:49,960 since the Russian invasion , illegal 287 00:11:50,430 --> 00:11:53,930 and unprovoked , large scale the 288 00:11:53,930 --> 00:11:57,390 strong against the weak and this fight 289 00:11:57,430 --> 00:11:59,520 will likely continue to be real 290 00:11:59,520 --> 00:12:02,610 attracted conflict . And so our 291 00:12:02,610 --> 00:12:04,950 discussion as a contact group focused 292 00:12:05,540 --> 00:12:07,707 on assisting Ukrainians to sustain the 293 00:12:07,707 --> 00:12:10,280 long fight . How can we best arm and 294 00:12:10,280 --> 00:12:12,224 train them so they can continue to 295 00:12:12,224 --> 00:12:14,280 defend their country and exhaust the 296 00:12:14,280 --> 00:12:16,400 Russian military machine . In the 297 00:12:16,400 --> 00:12:18,750 coming weeks and months . This group 298 00:12:18,750 --> 00:12:20,750 will continue to stand alongside of 299 00:12:20,750 --> 00:12:22,639 Ukrainian partners and defend the 300 00:12:22,639 --> 00:12:24,861 international rules based order , which 301 00:12:24,861 --> 00:12:27,083 is in everyone's interest . Thank you . 302 00:12:27,083 --> 00:12:30,310 And I welcome your questions lied about 303 00:12:30,310 --> 00:12:33,070 our Associated press . Thank you . Mr 304 00:12:33,070 --> 00:12:35,570 Secretary . Um can you talk to us a 305 00:12:35,570 --> 00:12:38,530 little bit more about this logistics 306 00:12:38,530 --> 00:12:40,808 and sustainment effort ? What is the U . 307 00:12:40,808 --> 00:12:42,919 S . Specifically doing or adding more 308 00:12:42,919 --> 00:12:44,919 trainers ? Are you uh are you doing 309 00:12:44,919 --> 00:12:47,030 anything specifically to help Ukraine 310 00:12:47,030 --> 00:12:49,410 with this sustainment and logistical 311 00:12:49,420 --> 00:12:53,260 issue ? And how long do you 312 00:12:53,260 --> 00:12:55,300 think the allies and partners will 313 00:12:55,300 --> 00:12:58,840 continue to support this effort ? And 314 00:12:58,850 --> 00:13:01,160 Chairman Milley , can you give us your 315 00:13:01,160 --> 00:13:04,720 military assessment of what is going on 316 00:13:04,720 --> 00:13:07,350 in the Donbas right now , can you give 317 00:13:07,350 --> 00:13:10,970 us a picture of how much if 318 00:13:10,980 --> 00:13:14,760 any gains Ukraine may be making or not 319 00:13:14,760 --> 00:13:17,680 making ? Is the Donbas lost at this 320 00:13:17,680 --> 00:13:19,460 point to Russia ? 321 00:13:21,440 --> 00:13:24,090 Thanks Lena . Well , first of all 322 00:13:24,100 --> 00:13:27,670 sustainment is uh is a key part of 323 00:13:27,680 --> 00:13:31,030 uh of any military operation . And when 324 00:13:31,030 --> 00:13:33,500 you're in combat it's really , really 325 00:13:33,500 --> 00:13:35,770 important . So it's not good enough 326 00:13:35,770 --> 00:13:38,960 just to provide a piece of equipment , 327 00:13:38,970 --> 00:13:42,150 we need to have that that piece of gear 328 00:13:42,150 --> 00:13:45,840 plus spare parts plus tools to repair 329 00:13:45,840 --> 00:13:47,784 it , you know , at the operational 330 00:13:47,784 --> 00:13:50,320 level down at the forward edge of the 331 00:13:50,320 --> 00:13:52,487 battlefield , then the second level of 332 00:13:52,487 --> 00:13:54,542 maintenance needs to be available as 333 00:13:54,542 --> 00:13:56,730 well and then that depot level of 334 00:13:56,730 --> 00:13:58,780 maintenance uh where you have to 335 00:13:58,780 --> 00:14:01,530 replace a tube or do something of that 336 00:14:01,530 --> 00:14:03,980 nature . That's major maintenance . Uh 337 00:14:03,990 --> 00:14:05,990 Those pieces need to be in place as 338 00:14:05,990 --> 00:14:09,200 well . So as we uh as we uh 339 00:14:09,210 --> 00:14:11,580 discussed with our partners and allies 340 00:14:11,580 --> 00:14:14,280 today on what Ukraine's needs are going 341 00:14:14,280 --> 00:14:16,502 forward . These are the kinds of things 342 00:14:16,502 --> 00:14:18,950 that we talked about . Uh we know that 343 00:14:19,340 --> 00:14:21,562 because there are a number of different 344 00:14:21,562 --> 00:14:23,740 types of uh pieces of equipment that 345 00:14:23,740 --> 00:14:26,220 are , that are in the inventory now 346 00:14:26,230 --> 00:14:28,452 that it's important that the Ukrainians 347 00:14:28,452 --> 00:14:30,397 be trained on how to maintain that 348 00:14:30,397 --> 00:14:32,508 equipment . So what we're doing is is 349 00:14:32,508 --> 00:14:34,452 conducting training in a number of 350 00:14:34,452 --> 00:14:36,530 locations on how to how to maintain 351 00:14:36,530 --> 00:14:38,363 equipment . We're also trying to 352 00:14:38,363 --> 00:14:41,780 increase our visibility of and and 353 00:14:42,040 --> 00:14:45,380 of what uh what's the status of 354 00:14:45,390 --> 00:14:47,557 different pieces of equipment are . So 355 00:14:47,557 --> 00:14:50,520 we can anticipate what logistical needs . 356 00:14:50,530 --> 00:14:53,140 Well , we'll , you know , we'll see in 357 00:14:53,140 --> 00:14:55,540 the , in the near term . Uh but but I 358 00:14:55,540 --> 00:14:57,810 think the sustainment piece is is 359 00:14:57,810 --> 00:14:59,960 really , really important . Uh 360 00:14:59,970 --> 00:15:02,750 coincidentally , the Ukrainians think 361 00:15:02,750 --> 00:15:04,806 it's important and I have to applaud 362 00:15:04,806 --> 00:15:06,900 them . They are very resourceful . 363 00:15:06,910 --> 00:15:10,280 Their ability to very quickly learn how 364 00:15:10,280 --> 00:15:13,670 to operate and maintain a piece of 365 00:15:13,670 --> 00:15:16,220 equipment is really impressive . Uh So 366 00:15:16,220 --> 00:15:18,840 we've seen them exercise initiative , 367 00:15:18,850 --> 00:15:21,360 uh you know , on the battlefield . 368 00:15:21,540 --> 00:15:23,707 We've also seen them learn very , very 369 00:15:23,707 --> 00:15:27,430 quickly as we have brought um troops 370 00:15:27,440 --> 00:15:29,450 out of country and into neighboring 371 00:15:29,450 --> 00:15:32,750 countries to train them on things like 372 00:15:32,760 --> 00:15:35,260 high mars and in our trucks and and 373 00:15:35,260 --> 00:15:38,840 other things . So uh this will be uh an 374 00:15:38,840 --> 00:15:41,290 area of focus for the foreseeable 375 00:15:41,290 --> 00:15:45,260 future as it should be in terms of how 376 00:15:45,260 --> 00:15:47,310 long , you know , our allies and 377 00:15:47,310 --> 00:15:50,850 partners will remain committed . Um , 378 00:15:51,340 --> 00:15:54,400 you know , it's um , 379 00:15:54,410 --> 00:15:57,300 there's no question that this is , this 380 00:15:57,300 --> 00:15:59,467 will always be hard work , making sure 381 00:15:59,467 --> 00:16:02,800 that we maintain unity . Uh and I will 382 00:16:02,800 --> 00:16:05,870 tell you what I heard today though in 383 00:16:05,870 --> 00:16:09,830 the meeting was , you 384 00:16:09,830 --> 00:16:12,950 know , commitment across the board and 385 00:16:12,950 --> 00:16:15,830 and uh and a focus on uh you know , 386 00:16:15,840 --> 00:16:19,150 continuing to do what's necessary to 387 00:16:19,160 --> 00:16:21,560 ensure that Ukraine had what it needs . 388 00:16:21,570 --> 00:16:23,681 I mean , that was really impressive . 389 00:16:23,681 --> 00:16:25,681 And this was these were spontaneous 390 00:16:25,681 --> 00:16:28,250 comments uh and uh and so , you know , 391 00:16:28,260 --> 00:16:30,149 across the board from Minister to 392 00:16:30,149 --> 00:16:33,270 Minister , that that was really , 393 00:16:33,270 --> 00:16:37,070 really uh encouraging and refreshing to 394 00:16:37,070 --> 00:16:39,237 hear , but but not really surprising , 395 00:16:39,237 --> 00:16:41,459 but but we know lita that this is gonna 396 00:16:41,459 --> 00:16:43,403 be work , that we're gonna have to 397 00:16:43,403 --> 00:16:46,130 remain maintain focus on going forward . 398 00:16:46,130 --> 00:16:49,970 So , so later , um , you know , 399 00:16:49,970 --> 00:16:53,730 the the invasion begins 24 february and 400 00:16:53,740 --> 00:16:56,770 and and then about mid april 16 april , 401 00:16:56,770 --> 00:16:59,750 in fact , the Russians decide uh 402 00:16:59,760 --> 00:17:01,927 they're gonna go ahead and shift their 403 00:17:01,927 --> 00:17:04,149 war aims and come out of the Kiev lines 404 00:17:04,149 --> 00:17:06,149 of advance and mass their forces uh 405 00:17:06,149 --> 00:17:08,560 down in the vicinity of the Donbas . So 406 00:17:08,560 --> 00:17:11,000 for the last 90 days , the Russians 407 00:17:11,000 --> 00:17:12,889 have masked their ground maneuver 408 00:17:12,889 --> 00:17:15,200 forces in that region uh and the 409 00:17:15,200 --> 00:17:17,422 Ukrainians have fought a very effective 410 00:17:17,640 --> 00:17:19,940 mobile defense in depth and area 411 00:17:19,940 --> 00:17:22,470 defense in depth anchored on various 412 00:17:22,470 --> 00:17:24,581 strong points in in urban and village 413 00:17:24,581 --> 00:17:26,803 areas and they have fought the Russians 414 00:17:26,803 --> 00:17:29,081 very effectively . Uh , so for 90 days , 415 00:17:29,081 --> 00:17:31,290 the Russian advances have amounted to 416 00:17:31,300 --> 00:17:33,522 maybe 6 to 10 miles . Something in that 417 00:17:33,522 --> 00:17:35,467 range is not very much , it's very 418 00:17:35,467 --> 00:17:37,890 intense . A lot of violence , uh , tens 419 00:17:37,890 --> 00:17:40,057 of thousands of artillery rounds every 420 00:17:40,057 --> 00:17:42,530 24 hour period , Lots of casualties on 421 00:17:42,530 --> 00:17:45,050 both sides , lots of destruction of 422 00:17:45,060 --> 00:17:47,860 villages and and and so on . But in 423 00:17:47,860 --> 00:17:51,450 terms of actual ground gained very very 424 00:17:51,450 --> 00:17:53,730 little by the Russians relative to all 425 00:17:53,730 --> 00:17:55,860 of Ukraine . As you know , the 426 00:17:55,860 --> 00:17:58,100 Ukrainians conducted a controlled , 427 00:17:58,100 --> 00:18:00,480 deliberate planned withdrawal from 428 00:18:00,480 --> 00:18:02,650 several Donestk conducted a rearward 429 00:18:02,660 --> 00:18:05,150 passage of lines and conducted a rear 430 00:18:05,160 --> 00:18:07,920 river crossing and they set up a new 431 00:18:07,930 --> 00:18:11,450 line uh generally to the west of 432 00:18:11,460 --> 00:18:13,920 several desk and they are continuing 433 00:18:13,930 --> 00:18:16,860 significant resistance . In addition to 434 00:18:16,860 --> 00:18:18,916 that in the Russian occupied areas , 435 00:18:18,916 --> 00:18:21,460 you have significant resistance behind 436 00:18:21,470 --> 00:18:23,581 Russian lines , so to speak , so that 437 00:18:23,581 --> 00:18:25,803 the Russians are challenged not only to 438 00:18:25,803 --> 00:18:27,470 the front , but the Ukrainian 439 00:18:27,470 --> 00:18:29,637 conventional forces , but they're also 440 00:18:29,637 --> 00:18:29,570 challenged in their rear areas . Their 441 00:18:29,570 --> 00:18:31,459 areas are not secure for sure and 442 00:18:31,459 --> 00:18:33,126 Ukrainians are very effective 443 00:18:33,126 --> 00:18:35,070 resistance network set up . So the 444 00:18:35,070 --> 00:18:37,348 bottom line is , the cost is very high . 445 00:18:37,348 --> 00:18:39,760 The gains are very low . There is a 446 00:18:39,760 --> 00:18:41,649 grinding war of attrition that is 447 00:18:41,650 --> 00:18:44,240 occurring in the in the Luhansk Donbass 448 00:18:44,240 --> 00:18:46,129 region , Luhansk desk , The two a 449 00:18:46,129 --> 00:18:48,490 blossom of Donbas And to answer your 450 00:18:48,490 --> 00:18:50,823 question about is the Donbass lost . No , 451 00:18:50,823 --> 00:18:52,990 it's not lost yet . The Ukrainians are 452 00:18:52,990 --> 00:18:55,157 making the Russians pay for every inch 453 00:18:55,157 --> 00:18:57,212 of territory that they gain . Uh and 454 00:18:57,212 --> 00:18:59,379 and advances are measured in literally 455 00:18:59,379 --> 00:19:01,379 hundreds of meters on some days you 456 00:19:01,379 --> 00:19:03,379 might get a kilometer to out of the 457 00:19:03,379 --> 00:19:03,120 Russians but not much more than that . 458 00:19:03,120 --> 00:19:05,440 So high cost battle of attrition 459 00:19:05,450 --> 00:19:09,260 grinding , uh not lost yet . Uh in in 460 00:19:09,270 --> 00:19:11,680 in the Donbas and the Ukrainians intend 461 00:19:11,680 --> 00:19:15,580 to continue the fight . Louis 462 00:19:15,580 --> 00:19:18,470 Martinez abc news . Mr Secretary 463 00:19:18,480 --> 00:19:20,313 Foreign Minister Russian Foreign 464 00:19:20,313 --> 00:19:22,370 Minister Sergei Lavrov earlier today 465 00:19:22,420 --> 00:19:24,580 said that the special military 466 00:19:24,590 --> 00:19:27,030 operation , as they called it in 467 00:19:27,040 --> 00:19:29,096 Ukraine is no longer limited to just 468 00:19:29,096 --> 00:19:32,160 the Donbass . Um , but it will include 469 00:19:32,160 --> 00:19:34,270 other territories in Ukraine . 470 00:19:34,740 --> 00:19:37,140 Specifically , he cited the high mars . 471 00:19:37,150 --> 00:19:39,261 I mean you've both been talking about 472 00:19:39,261 --> 00:19:41,261 the high mars today , but he talked 473 00:19:41,261 --> 00:19:43,317 about how the high mars have kind of 474 00:19:43,317 --> 00:19:45,539 led to this in a way because that could 475 00:19:45,539 --> 00:19:48,140 lead to attacks inside of Russian 476 00:19:48,140 --> 00:19:50,140 territory . What's your reaction to 477 00:19:50,140 --> 00:19:52,630 that please in general ? Um , when we 478 00:19:52,630 --> 00:19:55,200 talk about the near term needs , when 479 00:19:55,200 --> 00:19:56,867 we talk about high mars , the 480 00:19:56,867 --> 00:19:58,756 Ukrainians and other experts have 481 00:19:58,756 --> 00:20:00,867 talked about the need for dozens more 482 00:20:00,867 --> 00:20:03,144 high mars uh , systems , can the U . S . 483 00:20:03,144 --> 00:20:04,978 Actually provide that without it 484 00:20:04,978 --> 00:20:07,990 impacting your active duty component 485 00:20:08,000 --> 00:20:10,270 And in terms of long term as we do 486 00:20:10,340 --> 00:20:12,507 you've been talking about today . What 487 00:20:12,507 --> 00:20:14,729 does that mean for potentially training 488 00:20:14,940 --> 00:20:17,760 of highlights here in the United States 489 00:20:17,770 --> 00:20:19,714 down in the long run . Thank you . 490 00:20:21,340 --> 00:20:24,880 Thanks . Louis , I'm sure 491 00:20:24,880 --> 00:20:28,860 that Ukrainian leadership will be um 492 00:20:29,340 --> 00:20:31,780 pleased to hear Lavrov's confirmation 493 00:20:31,790 --> 00:20:34,200 of the effectiveness of not only that 494 00:20:34,200 --> 00:20:36,200 system , but how they're using that 495 00:20:36,200 --> 00:20:39,840 system . Um , as you know , 496 00:20:39,840 --> 00:20:43,190 Russians are currently in uh 497 00:20:43,200 --> 00:20:45,790 Kherson and Safran Asia . So the 498 00:20:45,800 --> 00:20:47,967 Russian forces there there there now . 499 00:20:48,340 --> 00:20:50,507 So you have to wonder who he's talking 500 00:20:50,507 --> 00:20:54,440 to . Uh that's not a surprise to uh 501 00:20:54,450 --> 00:20:56,890 to any of us or anybody in europe , 502 00:20:56,890 --> 00:20:59,112 anybody around the globe . I think he's 503 00:20:59,112 --> 00:21:01,112 talking to the people in Russia who 504 00:21:01,112 --> 00:21:03,660 have been ill informed throughout . Um 505 00:21:04,340 --> 00:21:07,000 you've heard us mention this before in 506 00:21:07,000 --> 00:21:09,630 terms of what what Putin's objectives 507 00:21:09,630 --> 00:21:12,990 are . You know , he has stated a number 508 00:21:12,990 --> 00:21:15,250 of times that , you know , this is a 509 00:21:15,250 --> 00:21:18,560 limited operation focused on on the Don 510 00:21:18,560 --> 00:21:21,950 boss . His actions have proven uh 511 00:21:22,340 --> 00:21:25,110 otherwise and and we have known are 512 00:21:25,110 --> 00:21:27,500 suspected , not suspected but known . 513 00:21:27,510 --> 00:21:29,732 Our allies and partners have known that 514 00:21:29,732 --> 00:21:31,880 he has greater ambitions . And Lavrov 515 00:21:31,880 --> 00:21:34,490 just confirmed that today . So , uh 516 00:21:34,500 --> 00:21:37,320 again , no surprise to anybody that's 517 00:21:37,320 --> 00:21:39,530 been a part of this or even watching 518 00:21:39,530 --> 00:21:41,800 this remotely maybe a surprise to the 519 00:21:41,800 --> 00:21:44,022 Russian people who Putin has been lying 520 00:21:44,022 --> 00:21:47,850 to the entire time . So let me 521 00:21:47,860 --> 00:21:50,900 uh frame it for you . Um , this is 522 00:21:50,910 --> 00:21:54,870 still a large scale battle of fires on 523 00:21:54,870 --> 00:21:56,926 both sides . Although the Ukrainians 524 00:21:56,926 --> 00:21:58,870 are using very effective defensive 525 00:21:58,870 --> 00:22:01,130 maneuver . As I mentioned earlier in 526 00:22:01,130 --> 00:22:03,480 terms of fires , high marks provide you 527 00:22:03,480 --> 00:22:05,630 long range rocket fire with great 528 00:22:05,630 --> 00:22:09,330 precision In addition to the Triple 529 00:22:09,330 --> 00:22:11,330 7155 and the other countries are 530 00:22:11,330 --> 00:22:14,220 providing M109155 . So that gets you 531 00:22:14,220 --> 00:22:18,100 into the 40 kilometer range or and and 532 00:22:18,100 --> 00:22:20,610 then you get your 10 fives , uh and 533 00:22:20,610 --> 00:22:22,832 then you come back to your mortars . So 534 00:22:22,832 --> 00:22:24,943 you've got an excellent of fires from 535 00:22:24,943 --> 00:22:27,110 deep uh , to the close fight . And the 536 00:22:27,110 --> 00:22:29,221 Ukrainians have something I mentioned 537 00:22:29,221 --> 00:22:31,443 this before . Ukrainians have excellent 538 00:22:31,443 --> 00:22:33,810 artillery , uh , soldiers , excellent 539 00:22:33,810 --> 00:22:36,088 gunners as the british would call them . 540 00:22:36,088 --> 00:22:38,310 And they're being very , very effective 541 00:22:38,310 --> 00:22:41,220 to date the high mars that that we have 542 00:22:41,220 --> 00:22:43,276 provided them . Uh and we're not the 543 00:22:43,276 --> 00:22:45,164 only country , by the way , other 544 00:22:45,164 --> 00:22:47,109 countries are providing long range 545 00:22:47,109 --> 00:22:49,331 fires as well Britain for example , and 546 00:22:49,331 --> 00:22:51,331 some others are donating long range 547 00:22:51,331 --> 00:22:53,331 rocket artillery . Uh to date those 548 00:22:53,331 --> 00:22:55,553 systems have not been eliminated by the 549 00:22:55,553 --> 00:22:55,500 Russians and I knock on wood every time 550 00:22:55,500 --> 00:22:57,450 I say something like that . Uh and 551 00:22:57,450 --> 00:22:59,561 they're being very effective at using 552 00:22:59,561 --> 00:23:01,506 them , employing precision weapons 553 00:23:01,506 --> 00:23:03,617 against the target . The issue is not 554 00:23:03,617 --> 00:23:05,394 so much the system , the actual 555 00:23:05,394 --> 00:23:07,228 launcher . The issue will become 556 00:23:07,228 --> 00:23:09,330 ammunition uh , in the consumption 557 00:23:09,330 --> 00:23:11,441 rates and the amount of weapon , uh , 558 00:23:11,441 --> 00:23:13,552 the amount of ammunition that's fired 559 00:23:13,552 --> 00:23:15,552 out of the high marks . Uh , we are 560 00:23:15,552 --> 00:23:15,390 looking at all of that very , very 561 00:23:15,390 --> 00:23:17,446 carefully on a day to day basis . We 562 00:23:17,446 --> 00:23:19,668 advise the secretary where we think the 563 00:23:19,668 --> 00:23:21,834 levels of risk are to our own force in 564 00:23:21,834 --> 00:23:21,630 terms of our readiness and our 565 00:23:21,630 --> 00:23:23,870 capability and our equipping , We think 566 00:23:23,870 --> 00:23:26,860 we're okay right now uh as we project 567 00:23:26,860 --> 00:23:28,971 forward into the next month or two or 568 00:23:28,971 --> 00:23:31,304 three ? Uh We think we're gonna be okay . 569 00:23:31,304 --> 00:23:33,193 And we also are tied in very very 570 00:23:33,193 --> 00:23:35,249 closely through the dep sec def with 571 00:23:35,249 --> 00:23:37,416 the industrial base and the production 572 00:23:37,416 --> 00:23:39,527 management uh techniques that we have 573 00:23:39,527 --> 00:23:41,749 to to continue to produce those weapons 574 00:23:41,749 --> 00:23:41,300 systems . So it's not so much the 575 00:23:41,300 --> 00:23:43,720 launcher , but it's the ammunition and 576 00:23:43,720 --> 00:23:47,070 the train . I'm sorry . On the flight 577 00:23:47,070 --> 00:23:49,237 training . Yes . So we , you know , as 578 00:23:49,237 --> 00:23:51,181 you know , we look at all kinds of 579 00:23:51,181 --> 00:23:53,403 options to present to the the secretary 580 00:23:53,403 --> 00:23:55,570 and the President . Um and and there's 581 00:23:55,570 --> 00:23:57,737 been no decisions on any of that , but 582 00:23:57,737 --> 00:23:59,959 we do examine a wide variety of options 583 00:23:59,959 --> 00:24:03,050 to include pilot train bob Starr CNN 584 00:24:03,870 --> 00:24:06,730 Secretary Austin , could I ask you your 585 00:24:06,740 --> 00:24:10,530 assessment um of do you 586 00:24:10,540 --> 00:24:13,340 now that Putin has been to Tehran , do 587 00:24:13,340 --> 00:24:17,300 you assess that Iran is going to get 588 00:24:17,310 --> 00:24:20,260 more involved ? That they that he is 589 00:24:20,740 --> 00:24:23,610 going to get Iranian drones , as has 590 00:24:23,780 --> 00:24:26,770 there been some evidence of and how how 591 00:24:26,770 --> 00:24:29,490 do you assess Iran's involvement in all 592 00:24:29,490 --> 00:24:31,379 of this in the question on flight 593 00:24:31,379 --> 00:24:33,980 training . Do you have a view on this 594 00:24:33,980 --> 00:24:37,660 long term support , whether it would be 595 00:24:37,670 --> 00:24:39,837 an appropriate idea for the U . S . To 596 00:24:39,837 --> 00:24:43,360 help train a Ukrainian tactical Air 597 00:24:43,360 --> 00:24:45,950 Force if you will . And General Milley 598 00:24:45,960 --> 00:24:49,800 on the question of this Russian war 599 00:24:49,810 --> 00:24:52,790 of attrition if you will . Do you see 600 00:24:52,790 --> 00:24:54,957 that ? What's your assessment ? Do you 601 00:24:54,957 --> 00:24:58,700 see that continuing just forever ? Or 602 00:24:58,940 --> 00:25:01,290 do you still have fundamental concerns 603 00:25:01,290 --> 00:25:03,860 that Russia could stage 604 00:25:04,240 --> 00:25:07,240 uh some kind of breakout or sudden 605 00:25:07,250 --> 00:25:11,160 escalation and just throw everything at 606 00:25:11,170 --> 00:25:14,480 Ukraine even back towards Kiev at some 607 00:25:14,480 --> 00:25:16,424 point back towards the rest of the 608 00:25:16,424 --> 00:25:18,591 country . Are they just going to grind 609 00:25:18,591 --> 00:25:20,660 away or do you think they still have 610 00:25:20,670 --> 00:25:24,560 deeper , further ah intentions towards 611 00:25:24,560 --> 00:25:27,500 Ukraine ? Thank you both . So barb on 612 00:25:27,500 --> 00:25:29,444 the issue of uh and thanks for the 613 00:25:29,444 --> 00:25:31,389 question , but on the issue of the 614 00:25:31,389 --> 00:25:34,060 Iranian support to to Russia , 615 00:25:34,540 --> 00:25:38,540 um , we would we would advise 616 00:25:38,540 --> 00:25:41,540 her on to not to not do that . We think 617 00:25:41,540 --> 00:25:44,300 it's a really , really bad idea . Uh 618 00:25:44,300 --> 00:25:47,270 and uh and I'll leave that at that 619 00:25:47,640 --> 00:25:51,250 um on on the issue of whether or 620 00:25:51,250 --> 00:25:55,030 not on the training of , of 621 00:25:55,030 --> 00:25:57,770 Ukrainians , uh you know , in terms of 622 00:25:58,140 --> 00:26:00,362 pilot training and that sort of thing . 623 00:26:00,362 --> 00:26:02,470 Uh Certainly as the chairman said , 624 00:26:02,470 --> 00:26:04,581 we're gonna continue to look at , you 625 00:26:04,581 --> 00:26:06,803 know , what will be needed now and down 626 00:26:06,803 --> 00:26:09,026 down the road right now , we're focused 627 00:26:09,026 --> 00:26:11,081 on helping them be successful in the 628 00:26:11,081 --> 00:26:13,303 fight that they're in and employing the 629 00:26:13,303 --> 00:26:16,430 weapons systems that uh that they need 630 00:26:16,430 --> 00:26:20,150 to to be successful in that fight as we 631 00:26:20,150 --> 00:26:23,950 give them provide them more um capable 632 00:26:23,950 --> 00:26:26,550 weapons systems , more sophisticated 633 00:26:26,550 --> 00:26:28,717 weapons systems . It will be important 634 00:26:28,717 --> 00:26:32,030 to use those systems properly and it 635 00:26:32,030 --> 00:26:34,680 will be important to integrate systems 636 00:26:34,690 --> 00:26:36,301 to create the effects on the 637 00:26:36,301 --> 00:26:37,920 battlefield , that prevent 638 00:26:37,920 --> 00:26:40,140 opportunities for the for the 639 00:26:40,140 --> 00:26:42,160 Ukrainians and that will begin to 640 00:26:42,160 --> 00:26:44,216 change the dynamics in some cases on 641 00:26:44,216 --> 00:26:46,327 the battlefield . So you've seen them 642 00:26:46,327 --> 00:26:48,493 take out use the high MARS to take out 643 00:26:48,493 --> 00:26:50,950 command and control nodes , uh , 644 00:26:51,440 --> 00:26:53,662 ammunition , supply points and a number 645 00:26:53,662 --> 00:26:55,773 of other things uh , and that affects 646 00:26:55,773 --> 00:26:57,496 the tempo of the fight and and 647 00:26:57,496 --> 00:26:59,607 potentially create some opportunities 648 00:26:59,607 --> 00:27:01,940 here . So there's a lot more to be done . 649 00:27:01,940 --> 00:27:05,030 The high MArs alone will not change uh 650 00:27:05,040 --> 00:27:07,490 win or lose a fight , but it's the 651 00:27:07,500 --> 00:27:09,722 integration of a number of capabilities 652 00:27:09,722 --> 00:27:12,890 that that we uh have provided 653 00:27:12,890 --> 00:27:16,040 and are looking at providing down the 654 00:27:16,040 --> 00:27:18,270 road . But most importantly , our 655 00:27:18,270 --> 00:27:21,000 allies are providing as well . So , uh , 656 00:27:21,010 --> 00:27:23,121 so we're looking at a lot of things , 657 00:27:23,121 --> 00:27:25,343 everything . But in terms of predicting 658 00:27:25,343 --> 00:27:27,121 where we're gonna be with pilot 659 00:27:27,121 --> 00:27:30,450 training uh in months or or years , I 660 00:27:30,460 --> 00:27:33,060 won't venture to do that at this point . 661 00:27:33,070 --> 00:27:36,450 I will say that the Ukrainians do have 662 00:27:36,740 --> 00:27:39,180 their Air force does have a capability 663 00:27:39,190 --> 00:27:41,357 as we speak and are using some of that 664 00:27:41,357 --> 00:27:44,780 capability on a daily basis . So 665 00:27:44,780 --> 00:27:46,780 Barbara , uh , you know , as far as 666 00:27:46,780 --> 00:27:48,947 Russian intentions , Obviously we have 667 00:27:48,947 --> 00:27:51,740 uh lots of analysts that look at that 668 00:27:51,740 --> 00:27:53,962 on a day to day basis . And and I'm not 669 00:27:53,962 --> 00:27:56,129 going to comment on what I think their 670 00:27:56,129 --> 00:27:58,018 future intentions are here at the 671 00:27:58,018 --> 00:28:00,184 podium except to say that , you know , 672 00:28:00,184 --> 00:28:02,296 their their past behavior has been an 673 00:28:02,296 --> 00:28:04,518 illegal aggressive war inside Ukraine . 674 00:28:04,518 --> 00:28:06,629 And then let's stop that aggression , 675 00:28:06,629 --> 00:28:08,740 let's stop typically continues . So , 676 00:28:08,740 --> 00:28:10,796 but but specific aims and objectives 677 00:28:10,796 --> 00:28:12,684 that the Russians may have , I'll 678 00:28:12,684 --> 00:28:14,684 remain silent on that . In terms of 679 00:28:14,684 --> 00:28:16,907 what you asked about , uh , couldn't go 680 00:28:16,907 --> 00:28:18,851 in directions . I think escalation 681 00:28:18,851 --> 00:28:20,740 those kind of terms that you were 682 00:28:20,740 --> 00:28:22,962 referring to . We we look at it as most 683 00:28:22,962 --> 00:28:25,184 likely most dangerous courses of action 684 00:28:25,184 --> 00:28:27,240 that an opponent may , uh , an enemy 685 00:28:27,240 --> 00:28:29,407 may may take . Uh , and so we think of 686 00:28:29,407 --> 00:28:31,740 those , uh , in terms of most dangerous , 687 00:28:31,740 --> 00:28:33,740 of course , there's uh , you can it 688 00:28:33,740 --> 00:28:35,740 doesn't take me at a podium to talk 689 00:28:35,740 --> 00:28:37,684 about what they might be . You can 690 00:28:37,684 --> 00:28:37,650 figure that out on your own . But 691 00:28:37,660 --> 00:28:39,660 there's possibilities in in various 692 00:28:39,660 --> 00:28:42,140 domain geography , weapons systems , 693 00:28:42,140 --> 00:28:43,807 etcetera , there's always the 694 00:28:43,807 --> 00:28:45,862 possibility of that . I can tell you 695 00:28:45,862 --> 00:28:47,862 that we look very , very closely at 696 00:28:47,862 --> 00:28:49,696 that every single day we're in a 697 00:28:49,696 --> 00:28:51,807 constant monitoring mode on any forms 698 00:28:51,807 --> 00:28:54,470 of escalation by Russia that could have 699 00:28:54,470 --> 00:28:56,803 significant impact on the United States , 700 00:28:56,803 --> 00:28:59,081 NATO or or or Ukraine or anything else . 701 00:28:59,081 --> 00:29:01,137 We're constantly advising this . The 702 00:29:01,137 --> 00:29:03,081 Secretary to that in terms of most 703 00:29:03,081 --> 00:29:05,192 likely though at this point . And and 704 00:29:05,192 --> 00:29:07,359 this is always subject to debate . But 705 00:29:07,359 --> 00:29:09,526 at this point , we have a very serious 706 00:29:09,526 --> 00:29:11,710 grinding grinding war of attrition 707 00:29:11,710 --> 00:29:14,040 going on in the Donbass . And unless 708 00:29:14,040 --> 00:29:16,560 there's a breakthrough on either side , 709 00:29:16,720 --> 00:29:19,110 which right now , the analysts don't 710 00:29:19,110 --> 00:29:21,110 think is particularly likely in the 711 00:29:21,110 --> 00:29:22,943 near term . But unless there's a 712 00:29:22,943 --> 00:29:25,110 breakthrough , it'll probably continue 713 00:29:25,110 --> 00:29:27,221 as a grounding war of attrition for a 714 00:29:27,221 --> 00:29:29,388 period of time until both sides see an 715 00:29:29,388 --> 00:29:28,800 alternative way out of this , perhaps 716 00:29:28,800 --> 00:29:30,911 through negotiation or something like 717 00:29:30,911 --> 00:29:33,133 that . But right now , in terms of most 718 00:29:33,133 --> 00:29:35,300 likely most dangerous , that's kind of 719 00:29:35,300 --> 00:29:37,522 the way we're looking at it . There's a 720 00:29:37,522 --> 00:29:37,190 lot of detail that goes behind that , 721 00:29:37,190 --> 00:29:39,670 which I won't comment on at this point 722 00:29:39,670 --> 00:29:41,892 in terms of the detail , but that's the 723 00:29:41,892 --> 00:29:44,170 broad outline of what we're looking at . 724 00:29:44,170 --> 00:29:46,281 Follow up briefly , sir , on what the 725 00:29:46,281 --> 00:29:46,230 Secretary was saying about Iran and him 726 00:29:46,240 --> 00:29:48,518 not wanting to talk about it in detail . 727 00:29:48,540 --> 00:29:51,540 Is there any reason that Iran should be 728 00:29:51,540 --> 00:29:53,707 worried that the United States doesn't 729 00:29:53,707 --> 00:29:55,873 think it's a good idea for them to get 730 00:29:55,873 --> 00:29:57,929 involved . You know , why would they 731 00:29:57,929 --> 00:29:59,929 care ? They'll just , wouldn't they 732 00:29:59,929 --> 00:30:02,270 just do what they want ? Well , you 733 00:30:02,270 --> 00:30:04,159 know , those are policy questions 734 00:30:04,159 --> 00:30:07,030 Barbara . Um , and and , and so I'm not 735 00:30:07,030 --> 00:30:09,170 gonna go beyond that at the , at the 736 00:30:09,170 --> 00:30:11,281 microphone . I don't think that would 737 00:30:11,281 --> 00:30:13,503 be wise to do that . Uh , I don't think 738 00:30:13,503 --> 00:30:15,837 it's a good idea that Iran is providing , 739 00:30:15,837 --> 00:30:18,490 uh , or other weapons systems that are 740 00:30:18,490 --> 00:30:20,768 being commented on the media to Russia . 741 00:30:21,040 --> 00:30:23,207 Um , and we'll see where all that goes 742 00:30:25,130 --> 00:30:27,352 tom Bowman from national public radio . 743 00:30:27,480 --> 00:30:29,830 So you're gonna send 16 high mars to 744 00:30:29,830 --> 00:30:32,720 Ukraine , as you said , any sense . You 745 00:30:32,720 --> 00:30:34,664 said , you'd be sending more , any 746 00:30:34,664 --> 00:30:36,942 sense ballpark , how many more systems , 747 00:30:36,942 --> 00:30:39,109 you'll be sending a double that number 748 00:30:39,109 --> 00:30:41,387 or even more number one and number two , 749 00:30:41,387 --> 00:30:43,553 as the general said , the rounds being 750 00:30:43,553 --> 00:30:45,387 shot by the high marks can go 40 751 00:30:45,387 --> 00:30:47,164 kilometers , But there are more 752 00:30:47,164 --> 00:30:49,580 sophisticated rounds that can go up to 753 00:30:49,580 --> 00:30:52,680 180 miles , like the army's attack them 754 00:30:52,680 --> 00:30:55,130 system that would allow the Ukrainians 755 00:30:55,130 --> 00:30:57,130 to hit Russian targets all over the 756 00:30:57,130 --> 00:30:59,890 country , including into Crimea . So 757 00:30:59,900 --> 00:31:02,240 are you considering longer range rounds 758 00:31:02,240 --> 00:31:05,670 for Ukraine ? Uh thanks 759 00:31:05,670 --> 00:31:09,280 tom um The range of 760 00:31:09,290 --> 00:31:12,910 high Mars or gamblers around is 761 00:31:12,920 --> 00:31:16,750 80 km . And so that's pretty good reach . 762 00:31:16,760 --> 00:31:20,680 And and so um it has allowed and 763 00:31:20,680 --> 00:31:23,860 will continue to allow them to to get 764 00:31:23,860 --> 00:31:26,290 after those longer range targets that 765 00:31:26,290 --> 00:31:28,234 they've been unable to reach and I 766 00:31:28,234 --> 00:31:30,850 think they've been very effective uh in 767 00:31:31,240 --> 00:31:33,184 In the way that they've gone about 768 00:31:33,184 --> 00:31:35,660 targeting . Um and and so they're 769 00:31:35,660 --> 00:31:37,700 creating effects that I think we'll 770 00:31:37,710 --> 00:31:40,480 we'll see pay dividends uh going 771 00:31:40,480 --> 00:31:42,370 forward . And and just for 772 00:31:42,370 --> 00:31:44,980 clarification , we provided them 12 773 00:31:44,980 --> 00:31:47,560 systems today , I just said we're gonna 774 00:31:47,560 --> 00:31:50,280 provide them another four . That brings 775 00:31:50,280 --> 00:31:52,190 the total up to 16 , Not not an 776 00:31:52,190 --> 00:31:54,357 additional 16 . Just want to make sure 777 00:31:54,357 --> 00:31:58,170 we're clear on that . And uh and so 778 00:31:58,740 --> 00:32:00,851 as the chairman has said , you know , 779 00:32:00,851 --> 00:32:03,110 we we are in contact with Mr Resnick 780 00:32:03,110 --> 00:32:06,050 off and and the Chief of Defense every 781 00:32:06,050 --> 00:32:08,830 week . And uh and you know , we're 782 00:32:08,830 --> 00:32:11,380 listening to uh what's going on with 783 00:32:11,380 --> 00:32:13,770 the fight and getting their analysis 784 00:32:13,780 --> 00:32:17,330 and then providing them capability as 785 00:32:17,330 --> 00:32:20,020 as needed . Now , providing a weapons 786 00:32:20,020 --> 00:32:22,131 system is one thing . But you have to 787 00:32:22,131 --> 00:32:24,187 provide the training for the weapons 788 00:32:24,187 --> 00:32:26,242 system along with that with that and 789 00:32:26,242 --> 00:32:29,280 you have to have the the munitions uh 790 00:32:29,290 --> 00:32:31,680 to match the weapons system . And again , 791 00:32:31,680 --> 00:32:33,680 if we're thoughtful about how we're 792 00:32:33,680 --> 00:32:35,847 using these systems , these are pretty 793 00:32:35,847 --> 00:32:37,624 sophisticated systems , they're 794 00:32:37,624 --> 00:32:40,040 incredibly accurate and so how you 795 00:32:40,040 --> 00:32:42,560 employ them and and and how you 796 00:32:42,560 --> 00:32:44,393 integrate that system with other 797 00:32:44,393 --> 00:32:46,338 battlefield systems . I think it's 798 00:32:46,338 --> 00:32:49,400 pretty key . And and so announcing a 799 00:32:49,400 --> 00:32:51,511 number for the future . Now , I don't 800 00:32:51,511 --> 00:32:54,520 think it's provide much value and 801 00:32:54,530 --> 00:32:56,530 provides much value in my opinion . 802 00:32:56,530 --> 00:32:58,752 Again , we'll stay focused on what they 803 00:32:58,752 --> 00:33:00,808 believe their requirements are based 804 00:33:00,808 --> 00:33:03,440 upon how the battle is unfolding . But 805 00:33:03,440 --> 00:33:05,496 again , wouldn't you want to provide 806 00:33:05,496 --> 00:33:08,030 longer range systems of rounds that 807 00:33:08,030 --> 00:33:10,560 could hit into Crimea and also that 808 00:33:10,560 --> 00:33:12,393 bridge that connects the Russian 809 00:33:12,393 --> 00:33:15,520 mainland with , we think we're , what 810 00:33:15,520 --> 00:33:17,409 they have , what and what they're 811 00:33:17,409 --> 00:33:19,409 working with is uh is really giving 812 00:33:19,409 --> 00:33:22,200 them a lot of capability . So it really 813 00:33:22,210 --> 00:33:24,690 is , I mean , it will be based upon how 814 00:33:24,690 --> 00:33:26,912 they're prosecuting this fight and what 815 00:33:26,912 --> 00:33:29,670 their needs are . The other thing I'd 816 00:33:29,670 --> 00:33:31,570 say to him on that is you get six 817 00:33:31,570 --> 00:33:34,570 rounds out of out of the high mars with 818 00:33:34,570 --> 00:33:36,737 the gamblers , you only get one if you 819 00:33:36,737 --> 00:33:39,270 use a tag . So um you know , there's a 820 00:33:39,270 --> 00:33:41,492 difference in volume , volume matters . 821 00:33:41,492 --> 00:33:43,548 Um and they're both points , they're 822 00:33:43,548 --> 00:33:45,714 both precision . Um and they were both 823 00:33:45,714 --> 00:33:47,760 very effective . But right now the 824 00:33:47,760 --> 00:33:49,760 gamblers is really fulfilling their 825 00:33:49,760 --> 00:33:51,538 need , and every time I talk to 826 00:33:51,538 --> 00:33:53,649 journals of losing their being very , 827 00:33:53,649 --> 00:33:55,593 very successful with them . Thanks 828 00:33:55,593 --> 00:33:57,170 everyone . Mhm .