1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,222 Good afternoon everyone . Thank you for 2 00:00:02,222 --> 00:00:04,444 being here today . It is my pleasure to 3 00:00:04,444 --> 00:00:06,780 introduce Secretary of Defense Lloyd 4 00:00:06,780 --> 00:00:08,836 Austin the third and Chairman of the 5 00:00:08,836 --> 00:00:10,891 Joint Chiefs of Staff . General Mark 6 00:00:10,891 --> 00:00:13,113 Milley , the Secretary and the chairman 7 00:00:13,113 --> 00:00:15,224 will deliver some opening remarks and 8 00:00:15,224 --> 00:00:17,169 then we'll have time to take a few 9 00:00:17,169 --> 00:00:19,058 questions . I will moderate those 10 00:00:19,058 --> 00:00:18,890 questions and call on journalists and 11 00:00:18,890 --> 00:00:20,779 would ask that we limit follow up 12 00:00:20,779 --> 00:00:22,890 questions due to our schedule today . 13 00:00:22,890 --> 00:00:25,400 Secretary Austin . Well , thanks Pat , 14 00:00:25,410 --> 00:00:28,770 good afternoon everyone . We came into 15 00:00:28,770 --> 00:00:31,420 our 5th meeting of the Ukraine Defense 16 00:00:31,420 --> 00:00:34,460 Contact Group with lots of momentum 17 00:00:35,540 --> 00:00:37,818 and we're leaving today with even more . 18 00:00:38,470 --> 00:00:40,692 I'm pleased to report that this contact 19 00:00:40,692 --> 00:00:43,700 group is now even more united and 20 00:00:43,700 --> 00:00:46,910 resolved to keep up our shared support 21 00:00:46,910 --> 00:00:49,270 for Ukraine's right to defend itself . 22 00:00:50,720 --> 00:00:53,660 That means meeting Ukraine's needs for 23 00:00:53,660 --> 00:00:56,390 today's battlefield . And I'm 24 00:00:56,390 --> 00:00:58,340 especially pleased by the emphasis 25 00:00:58,340 --> 00:01:01,790 today on positioning this contact 26 00:01:01,800 --> 00:01:05,760 group to support Ukraine's self 27 00:01:05,760 --> 00:01:09,570 defense over the long home . It means 28 00:01:09,570 --> 00:01:12,150 finding new and innovative ways to 29 00:01:12,150 --> 00:01:15,150 support the Ukrainian military and the 30 00:01:15,150 --> 00:01:18,720 Ukrainian people as they defend their 31 00:01:18,720 --> 00:01:22,310 country , their lives and their 32 00:01:22,310 --> 00:01:25,800 freedom Now , it's 33 00:01:25,800 --> 00:01:28,350 especially meaningful to be back here 34 00:01:28,360 --> 00:01:32,350 at Ramstein air base today . Ramstein 35 00:01:32,350 --> 00:01:34,570 is where we first launched this 36 00:01:34,570 --> 00:01:37,710 important contact group back in april 37 00:01:39,010 --> 00:01:40,954 and since that first meeting , the 38 00:01:40,954 --> 00:01:42,732 United States has increased our 39 00:01:42,732 --> 00:01:45,650 military assistance to Ukraine by 40 00:01:45,650 --> 00:01:49,370 nearly fourfold . And yesterday 41 00:01:49,370 --> 00:01:51,370 President biden approved the latest 42 00:01:51,370 --> 00:01:53,700 tranche of U . S . Assistance to 43 00:01:53,700 --> 00:01:57,230 Ukraine . It's valued at up to 44 00:01:57,230 --> 00:02:00,000 $675 million dollars 45 00:02:02,290 --> 00:02:04,290 And it's the Biden administration's 46 00:02:04,290 --> 00:02:07,520 20th drawdown of equipment from US 47 00:02:07,520 --> 00:02:10,100 stocks for Ukraine since last august . 48 00:02:11,790 --> 00:02:14,510 The new package includes more high mars 49 00:02:15,170 --> 00:02:18,940 ammunition , 105 millimeter 50 00:02:18,940 --> 00:02:22,180 howitzers , artillery , 51 00:02:22,180 --> 00:02:24,950 ammunition and harm missiles , 52 00:02:25,860 --> 00:02:29,860 Humvees and armored ambulances and 53 00:02:29,860 --> 00:02:32,870 I tank systems , small arms and more . 54 00:02:35,490 --> 00:02:37,712 And nations of goodwill from around the 55 00:02:37,712 --> 00:02:41,310 world have stepped up as well . Every 56 00:02:41,310 --> 00:02:43,620 time that we come together to meet 57 00:02:43,620 --> 00:02:47,570 Ukraine's urgent self defense needs and 58 00:02:47,570 --> 00:02:50,310 every time that a contact group member 59 00:02:50,310 --> 00:02:53,570 announces another new security 60 00:02:53,570 --> 00:02:56,830 assistance package , it's yet another 61 00:02:56,830 --> 00:02:59,700 sign of the Free World's enduring 62 00:02:59,700 --> 00:03:03,060 support for Ukraine's for U 63 00:03:03,070 --> 00:03:06,930 for Ukraine and its refusal to accept 64 00:03:06,930 --> 00:03:09,630 Russia's imperial aggression . 65 00:03:11,500 --> 00:03:13,667 I'm especially grateful that we got to 66 00:03:13,667 --> 00:03:15,889 hear again today from my good friends , 67 00:03:15,889 --> 00:03:19,340 Olexiy Reznikoff , Ukraine's Minister 68 00:03:19,340 --> 00:03:22,020 of Defense and Lieutenant General 69 00:03:22,020 --> 00:03:25,110 Moishe Ukraine's Deputy Chief of 70 00:03:25,110 --> 00:03:29,020 Defense . It's deeply meaningful 71 00:03:29,020 --> 00:03:31,131 to have them here with us in person . 72 00:03:31,131 --> 00:03:33,900 As Ukraine begins its counter offensive 73 00:03:33,900 --> 00:03:37,340 in the south and I want to thank my 74 00:03:37,340 --> 00:03:39,800 brave Ukrainian colleagues for sharing 75 00:03:39,800 --> 00:03:42,360 their insights from the battlefield . 76 00:03:43,820 --> 00:03:45,870 Now , Ukraine , Ukraine's defenders 77 00:03:45,870 --> 00:03:48,120 have been putting the military aid that 78 00:03:48,190 --> 00:03:50,670 we've all been sending them to 79 00:03:50,670 --> 00:03:54,010 immediate and effective use and just 80 00:03:54,010 --> 00:03:56,121 look at how the Ukrainian forces have 81 00:03:56,121 --> 00:03:58,790 been using high end capabilities like 82 00:03:58,790 --> 00:04:02,530 high maRS and M 2 70 rocket systems in 83 00:04:02,530 --> 00:04:05,860 their broader push to reclaim Ukraine's 84 00:04:05,860 --> 00:04:08,740 sovereignty , Ukraine's sovereign 85 00:04:08,740 --> 00:04:12,650 territory . Russia is responding 86 00:04:12,650 --> 00:04:16,480 with a campaign of cruelty putting 87 00:04:16,540 --> 00:04:18,800 Putin's forces are shelling and 88 00:04:18,810 --> 00:04:22,010 shelling civilians and and cities and 89 00:04:22,010 --> 00:04:24,240 I'm especially concerned that Russia is 90 00:04:24,250 --> 00:04:26,770 creating combat conditions around 91 00:04:26,780 --> 00:04:29,400 Ukrainian nuclear plant plant of Zach 92 00:04:29,400 --> 00:04:32,540 for ASia that's deeply reckless and it 93 00:04:32,540 --> 00:04:35,840 could have grave consequences . So we 94 00:04:35,840 --> 00:04:38,062 won't let up in our support for Ukraine 95 00:04:38,062 --> 00:04:40,396 self defense . Not today , not tomorrow . 96 00:04:40,820 --> 00:04:43,140 The countries represented here today 97 00:04:43,150 --> 00:04:45,540 have shown their resolve to support 98 00:04:45,550 --> 00:04:47,770 Ukraine's bedrock sovereign right to 99 00:04:47,770 --> 00:04:50,320 defend itself and they've shown 100 00:04:50,320 --> 00:04:53,470 leadership in pushing to innovate , to 101 00:04:53,480 --> 00:04:57,270 integrate , to train and to produce 102 00:04:57,280 --> 00:05:00,320 to meet Ukraine's security needs for 103 00:05:00,320 --> 00:05:02,830 the long haul . We had some good 104 00:05:02,830 --> 00:05:05,810 conversations today about Ukraine self 105 00:05:05,810 --> 00:05:09,220 defense priorities right now , Ukraine 106 00:05:09,230 --> 00:05:11,830 urgently needs more artillery systems 107 00:05:11,980 --> 00:05:15,030 and ammunition . It also needs air 108 00:05:15,030 --> 00:05:17,610 defense , coastal defense and other 109 00:05:17,610 --> 00:05:21,020 critical capabilities . United States 110 00:05:21,020 --> 00:05:24,130 has stepped up to meet those needs and 111 00:05:24,130 --> 00:05:26,019 I'm very glad that so many of our 112 00:05:26,019 --> 00:05:29,770 allies and partners have as well beyond 113 00:05:29,770 --> 00:05:31,770 that , this contact group will keep 114 00:05:31,770 --> 00:05:33,714 coming up with new ways to support 115 00:05:33,714 --> 00:05:36,340 Ukraine for the road ahead . In many 116 00:05:36,340 --> 00:05:39,270 countries continue to dig deep and 117 00:05:39,270 --> 00:05:41,214 provide equipment out of their own 118 00:05:41,214 --> 00:05:44,230 military stocks . That can mean 119 00:05:44,230 --> 00:05:46,452 purchasing new equipment from their own 120 00:05:46,452 --> 00:05:49,260 defense industries or even purchasing 121 00:05:49,260 --> 00:05:51,920 new equipment from other countries that 122 00:05:51,920 --> 00:05:55,550 they can send to . Ukraine Countries in 123 00:05:55,550 --> 00:05:57,980 our contact group are also leading 124 00:05:57,980 --> 00:06:00,091 efforts on training , maintenance and 125 00:06:00,091 --> 00:06:02,790 sustainment and that will help ensure 126 00:06:02,790 --> 00:06:04,957 that Ukraine has the capabilities that 127 00:06:04,957 --> 00:06:07,870 it needs to succeed on the battlefield 128 00:06:07,880 --> 00:06:10,320 now and in the weeks and months ahead . 129 00:06:11,320 --> 00:06:13,487 I want to especially thank the U . K . 130 00:06:13,487 --> 00:06:15,709 For establishing a basic basic training 131 00:06:15,709 --> 00:06:19,230 program for new Ukrainian recruits . 132 00:06:20,160 --> 00:06:22,690 Getting more trained professional 133 00:06:22,690 --> 00:06:25,580 soldiers into the fight is especially 134 00:06:25,580 --> 00:06:28,830 key as Russia sends more and more 135 00:06:28,840 --> 00:06:32,610 untrained soldiers into battle . I 136 00:06:32,610 --> 00:06:34,666 also want to thank our eastern flank 137 00:06:34,666 --> 00:06:36,540 allies namely Poland , the Czech 138 00:06:36,540 --> 00:06:39,220 Republic and Slovakia for 139 00:06:39,220 --> 00:06:42,260 reinvigorating their industrial base . 140 00:06:42,260 --> 00:06:44,570 Is to meet Ukraine's self defense needs 141 00:06:45,580 --> 00:06:47,358 the around the clock efforts to 142 00:06:47,358 --> 00:06:50,540 manufacture new armaments are key to 143 00:06:50,540 --> 00:06:54,300 Ukraine's success and we're gonna move 144 00:06:54,310 --> 00:06:58,190 even faster and push even harder . So 145 00:06:58,190 --> 00:07:00,357 I'm proud to announce that in the next 146 00:07:00,357 --> 00:07:03,770 few weeks in coordination with NATO , 147 00:07:03,780 --> 00:07:06,280 the United States will host a special 148 00:07:06,280 --> 00:07:08,880 session under the auspices of this 149 00:07:08,880 --> 00:07:11,690 contact group to bring together our 150 00:07:11,690 --> 00:07:15,540 senior national armaments directors and 151 00:07:15,540 --> 00:07:17,430 they will discuss how our defense 152 00:07:17,430 --> 00:07:19,670 industrial bases can best equip 153 00:07:19,680 --> 00:07:22,090 Ukraine's future forces with the 154 00:07:22,090 --> 00:07:26,090 capabilities that they need . We also 155 00:07:26,100 --> 00:07:28,630 will have much more on this topic 156 00:07:29,800 --> 00:07:32,450 in the details of the session very soon . 157 00:07:33,770 --> 00:07:35,714 And it's a reflection of something 158 00:07:35,714 --> 00:07:37,881 that's central to this contact group . 159 00:07:37,881 --> 00:07:39,937 We're working together to arm and to 160 00:07:39,937 --> 00:07:41,992 train Ukraine on the current fight . 161 00:07:43,070 --> 00:07:45,292 Yet we're also working together to help 162 00:07:45,292 --> 00:07:47,470 Ukraine defend capable or develop 163 00:07:47,480 --> 00:07:50,420 capable sustainable forces to defend 164 00:07:50,420 --> 00:07:52,670 itself and deter aggression over the 165 00:07:52,670 --> 00:07:55,580 long term , Ukraine is fighting for its 166 00:07:55,580 --> 00:07:58,820 life . It's fighting for its sovereign 167 00:07:58,820 --> 00:08:01,160 territory and its democracy and its 168 00:08:01,160 --> 00:08:03,830 freedom . But the stakes reach far 169 00:08:03,830 --> 00:08:06,220 beyond the front lines . They reach us 170 00:08:06,220 --> 00:08:09,130 all . The members of this contact group 171 00:08:09,140 --> 00:08:11,330 aren't just helping defend Ukraine . 172 00:08:11,940 --> 00:08:13,940 They're helping to defend the rules 173 00:08:13,940 --> 00:08:16,430 based international order that emerged 174 00:08:16,440 --> 00:08:18,551 after the horrors of the Second World 175 00:08:18,551 --> 00:08:21,260 War . And for the past 70 years , that 176 00:08:21,260 --> 00:08:24,010 rules based order has made the world 177 00:08:24,010 --> 00:08:27,390 more secure , more stable , more free 178 00:08:27,390 --> 00:08:30,160 and more prosperous . So the United 179 00:08:30,160 --> 00:08:32,104 States will continue to stand with 180 00:08:32,104 --> 00:08:35,980 Ukraine today and tomorrow and 181 00:08:35,980 --> 00:08:38,202 along with our allies and partners , we 182 00:08:38,202 --> 00:08:40,460 will increase the momentum and we'll 183 00:08:40,460 --> 00:08:42,627 work together to help Ukraine build up 184 00:08:42,627 --> 00:08:45,460 its enduring strength and its lasting 185 00:08:45,460 --> 00:08:48,830 ability to defend itself . So thank you . 186 00:08:48,830 --> 00:08:50,997 And now let me turn it over to General 187 00:08:50,997 --> 00:08:53,740 Milley . Thanks Secretary Austin and 188 00:08:53,750 --> 00:08:56,640 good afternoon everyone . Uh and on 189 00:08:56,640 --> 00:08:59,960 behalf of all the chads and and 190 00:08:59,960 --> 00:09:02,071 the and the Ministers of Defense that 191 00:09:02,071 --> 00:09:04,127 were here today . I want to publicly 192 00:09:04,127 --> 00:09:05,849 thank Secretary Austin for his 193 00:09:05,849 --> 00:09:07,960 leadership . This contact group would 194 00:09:07,960 --> 00:09:09,793 not exist without his energy and 195 00:09:09,793 --> 00:09:11,738 initiative . And this is our fifth 196 00:09:11,738 --> 00:09:13,238 meeting and it's been very 197 00:09:13,238 --> 00:09:15,960 consequential uh to the results that 198 00:09:15,970 --> 00:09:18,740 Ukraine has achieved . Uh and we have 199 00:09:18,740 --> 00:09:21,270 had today , I think it's around 50 200 00:09:21,280 --> 00:09:23,920 countries were represented here in this 201 00:09:23,920 --> 00:09:26,031 particular contact group . So , thank 202 00:09:26,031 --> 00:09:28,087 you , secretary for that . And and I 203 00:09:28,087 --> 00:09:30,670 also want to thank publicly , thank 204 00:09:30,680 --> 00:09:33,980 Ukraine's Minister of Defense and the 205 00:09:33,980 --> 00:09:36,091 Chief of Defense General Saluzzi , my 206 00:09:36,091 --> 00:09:38,150 counterpart , whom I talked to very 207 00:09:38,150 --> 00:09:40,330 frequently several times a week in 208 00:09:40,330 --> 00:09:43,820 close coordination on their needs and 209 00:09:43,820 --> 00:09:45,876 requirements that as we go forward , 210 00:09:46,120 --> 00:09:49,820 more than six months have passed since 211 00:09:49,820 --> 00:09:53,020 Russia launched an illegal 212 00:09:53,020 --> 00:09:55,130 invasion of a free and independent 213 00:09:55,130 --> 00:09:58,140 country Named Ukraine . That has been 214 00:09:58,140 --> 00:10:01,540 free and independent since 1991 and 215 00:10:01,540 --> 00:10:04,030 this time in the last six months , the 216 00:10:04,030 --> 00:10:05,863 Ukrainians have withstood brutal 217 00:10:05,863 --> 00:10:08,650 assaults on their capital and other 218 00:10:08,650 --> 00:10:10,594 major urban areas throughout their 219 00:10:10,594 --> 00:10:12,910 country . They've sustained countless 220 00:10:12,910 --> 00:10:15,880 missile strikes and artillery barrages . 221 00:10:15,890 --> 00:10:18,010 They've borne the brutal cost of 222 00:10:18,020 --> 00:10:21,260 thousands , tens of thousands of 223 00:10:21,260 --> 00:10:24,890 casualties killed and wounded . 224 00:10:25,980 --> 00:10:28,990 Many civilians have perished due to 225 00:10:28,990 --> 00:10:30,823 indiscriminate Russian attacks . 226 00:10:32,330 --> 00:10:35,920 There's almost 15 million refugees 227 00:10:35,920 --> 00:10:38,680 and internally displaced persons . 228 00:10:38,690 --> 00:10:41,720 Significant infrastructure in Ukraine 229 00:10:41,720 --> 00:10:44,700 has been damaged . Ukrainian people 230 00:10:44,710 --> 00:10:48,610 have suffered tremendously and yet 231 00:10:49,460 --> 00:10:52,140 they remain a free , independent and 232 00:10:52,140 --> 00:10:55,660 sovereign country . Ukraine , Ukraine 233 00:10:55,670 --> 00:10:59,160 remains strong and free 234 00:10:59,170 --> 00:11:01,690 because of the bravery of their people , 235 00:11:01,700 --> 00:11:03,820 the competence of their military and 236 00:11:03,820 --> 00:11:05,880 the support of the international 237 00:11:05,880 --> 00:11:08,630 community . The group of countries that 238 00:11:08,630 --> 00:11:12,370 gather here today remain committed to 239 00:11:12,370 --> 00:11:15,050 Ukraine and to the people of Ukraine 240 00:11:15,060 --> 00:11:18,410 for their desire to live freely , live 241 00:11:18,410 --> 00:11:21,020 free of Russian occupation and live 242 00:11:21,020 --> 00:11:24,720 free of Russian violence . The vital 243 00:11:24,720 --> 00:11:26,720 work of this contact group is truly 244 00:11:26,720 --> 00:11:29,440 extraordinary . The Russian invasion 245 00:11:29,440 --> 00:11:32,090 shatters the international norms that 246 00:11:32,090 --> 00:11:33,923 the secretary talked about , the 247 00:11:33,923 --> 00:11:36,600 international norm of the rules based 248 00:11:36,600 --> 00:11:40,030 international order , the rule of law , 249 00:11:40,040 --> 00:11:42,790 the understanding that the powerful 250 00:11:42,800 --> 00:11:45,800 cannot attack the weak , the 251 00:11:45,800 --> 00:11:47,856 international community and not just 252 00:11:47,856 --> 00:11:49,911 the countries of europe , but really 253 00:11:49,911 --> 00:11:52,078 around the globe , understand that and 254 00:11:52,078 --> 00:11:55,180 Russia's unprovoked invasion upended 255 00:11:55,250 --> 00:11:57,840 that rules based order and so the world 256 00:11:57,840 --> 00:12:01,250 responded and Ukrainians 257 00:12:01,260 --> 00:12:03,880 continue to employ the security 258 00:12:03,880 --> 00:12:05,991 assistance that they've been provided 259 00:12:05,991 --> 00:12:09,240 incredibly effectively . The Russians 260 00:12:09,250 --> 00:12:12,950 have achieved minor tactical success in 261 00:12:12,950 --> 00:12:16,450 various parts of Eastern Ukraine , but 262 00:12:16,450 --> 00:12:19,940 so far Russian strategic objectives 263 00:12:20,450 --> 00:12:23,760 have been defeated . The war is not 264 00:12:23,760 --> 00:12:27,480 over . But so far the Russian strategic 265 00:12:27,480 --> 00:12:31,070 objectives have been defeated . That's 266 00:12:31,070 --> 00:12:33,920 due to their failures . And also due to 267 00:12:33,920 --> 00:12:35,809 the bravery of the Russian or the 268 00:12:35,809 --> 00:12:38,760 Ukrainian military . The bravery of the 269 00:12:38,760 --> 00:12:41,210 Ukrainian people and the support of the 270 00:12:41,210 --> 00:12:43,154 countries that were at the contact 271 00:12:43,154 --> 00:12:46,890 group today , they've adjusted their 272 00:12:46,890 --> 00:12:49,001 strategy . The Russians have in their 273 00:12:49,001 --> 00:12:51,550 tactics but so haven't the Ukrainians ? 274 00:12:52,660 --> 00:12:55,130 It's a war and there's give and take , 275 00:12:55,130 --> 00:12:57,330 there's action , reaction and counter 276 00:12:57,330 --> 00:13:00,930 action . But despite being outgunned 277 00:13:01,250 --> 00:13:04,130 and outmanned , Ukrainians have 278 00:13:04,130 --> 00:13:05,852 demonstrated superior tactical 279 00:13:05,852 --> 00:13:08,970 proficiency and they've demonstrated a 280 00:13:08,970 --> 00:13:11,980 superior will to fight fight for their 281 00:13:11,980 --> 00:13:14,850 own country . Fight for their freedom 282 00:13:16,440 --> 00:13:19,070 as assistance flows into the country . 283 00:13:19,080 --> 00:13:20,858 We have observed the Ukrainians 284 00:13:20,858 --> 00:13:23,290 effectively couple of weapons systems 285 00:13:23,300 --> 00:13:25,290 that we have provided them with 286 00:13:25,290 --> 00:13:27,800 combined arms maneuver , excellent 287 00:13:27,800 --> 00:13:31,140 command and control to achieve desired 288 00:13:31,140 --> 00:13:33,360 effects . And we see this playing out 289 00:13:33,360 --> 00:13:36,040 today with the Ukrainian , recent 290 00:13:36,040 --> 00:13:38,490 operations in the south , let me give 291 00:13:38,490 --> 00:13:40,490 you a very brief battlefield update 292 00:13:42,420 --> 00:13:44,420 as you know , the Russians attacked 293 00:13:44,420 --> 00:13:46,950 beginning 24 february . So think in 294 00:13:46,950 --> 00:13:49,950 terms of 24 february to about the 295 00:13:49,950 --> 00:13:52,370 middle of april , the Russians continue 296 00:13:52,370 --> 00:13:54,760 to strategic attack to try to capture 297 00:13:54,760 --> 00:13:57,500 Kiev , get to the Den april river 298 00:13:57,510 --> 00:14:00,210 assault through the south out of Crimea 299 00:14:00,220 --> 00:14:02,910 into the Donbas and then also 300 00:14:02,920 --> 00:14:05,440 potentially conduct an attack in Odessa . 301 00:14:05,450 --> 00:14:08,060 Those attacks failed , they didn't 302 00:14:08,070 --> 00:14:10,237 seize the capital . They didn't topple 303 00:14:10,237 --> 00:14:12,459 the government , they didn't get to the 304 00:14:12,459 --> 00:14:14,459 Dnieper River and they didn't seize 305 00:14:14,459 --> 00:14:17,000 Odessa . So in the beginning of april , 306 00:14:17,010 --> 00:14:19,232 the Russians adjusted their war aim and 307 00:14:19,232 --> 00:14:22,400 they consolidated their forces in the 308 00:14:22,400 --> 00:14:25,870 east In order to attack and seize all 309 00:14:25,870 --> 00:14:29,070 of the Donbas and hold Odessa at 310 00:14:29,070 --> 00:14:31,830 risk . They launched that offensive on 311 00:14:31,830 --> 00:14:35,230 or about the 15th or 16 April and they 312 00:14:35,230 --> 00:14:37,330 have been defeated in that their 313 00:14:37,330 --> 00:14:39,052 operational objectives in that 314 00:14:39,052 --> 00:14:41,108 offensive have not been successful . 315 00:14:41,108 --> 00:14:43,980 They have not achieved all of the 316 00:14:43,980 --> 00:14:47,020 Donbas and they have only crossed the 317 00:14:47,030 --> 00:14:49,030 Dnieper River in the south , in the 318 00:14:49,030 --> 00:14:51,370 vicinity of Kherson . So their 319 00:14:51,370 --> 00:14:53,700 operational aims , in addition to their 320 00:14:53,700 --> 00:14:56,040 strategic games have been defeated by a 321 00:14:56,040 --> 00:14:58,360 very successful defense conducted by 322 00:14:58,360 --> 00:15:00,860 Ukraine . At the beginning of this 323 00:15:00,860 --> 00:15:04,620 month , about one September Ukraine 324 00:15:04,630 --> 00:15:07,050 launched an offensive in order to seize 325 00:15:07,140 --> 00:15:09,020 the operational and strategic 326 00:15:09,030 --> 00:15:12,230 initiative . That offensive is ongoing . 327 00:15:12,930 --> 00:15:15,280 That offensive is in its early stages 328 00:15:15,290 --> 00:15:17,530 and it's too early to give a full 329 00:15:17,530 --> 00:15:20,960 assessment . But to date , Ukraine is 330 00:15:20,960 --> 00:15:23,350 effectively using their fires to shape 331 00:15:23,360 --> 00:15:25,670 the ground maneuver as they continue 332 00:15:25,670 --> 00:15:27,892 their offensive in the south . And what 333 00:15:27,892 --> 00:15:29,948 we're talking about is the area just 334 00:15:29,948 --> 00:15:31,837 north of the Dnieper River in the 335 00:15:31,837 --> 00:15:33,970 vicinity of Kherson and I'll be happy 336 00:15:33,970 --> 00:15:35,914 to answer any specific questions . 337 00:15:35,914 --> 00:15:38,450 Anybody may have on that when we get to 338 00:15:38,450 --> 00:15:41,530 the Q and A . The discussions from 339 00:15:41,530 --> 00:15:43,980 today's meetings were not just about 340 00:15:43,990 --> 00:15:46,070 support to the current fight , but 341 00:15:46,070 --> 00:15:49,660 equally important is the longer term As 342 00:15:49,660 --> 00:15:51,990 of today . As you know , we the United 343 00:15:51,990 --> 00:15:54,730 States have transferred 16 high marks 344 00:15:54,730 --> 00:15:57,300 to Ukraine with thousands of Dimler 345 00:15:57,310 --> 00:16:00,090 rounds , hundreds of thousands of 346 00:16:00,090 --> 00:16:04,030 artillery , 155 ammunition along with 347 00:16:04,080 --> 00:16:06,950 100 and 26 M triple seven artillery 348 00:16:06,950 --> 00:16:10,020 tubes , thousands of antitank weapons , 349 00:16:10,020 --> 00:16:13,530 thousands of anti aircraft weapons harm 350 00:16:13,530 --> 00:16:15,641 missiles have been transferred to the 351 00:16:15,641 --> 00:16:17,870 Ukrainians to help them out . In 352 00:16:17,870 --> 00:16:19,981 addition to that small arms and a lot 353 00:16:19,981 --> 00:16:22,130 of non lethal equipment , The United 354 00:16:22,130 --> 00:16:25,100 States has provided almost half a 355 00:16:25,100 --> 00:16:28,910 million rounds of 155 artillery . 356 00:16:28,910 --> 00:16:31,130 As an example , the United States has 357 00:16:31,130 --> 00:16:33,186 made a significant commitment but so 358 00:16:33,186 --> 00:16:35,200 have the other countries All of the 359 00:16:35,200 --> 00:16:37,311 countries are providing and according 360 00:16:37,311 --> 00:16:39,367 to their need . And Ukraine is being 361 00:16:39,367 --> 00:16:41,478 well supplied with all of the systems 362 00:16:41,478 --> 00:16:43,540 needed to defend themselves . We are 363 00:16:43,540 --> 00:16:47,090 seeing real and measurable gains from 364 00:16:47,090 --> 00:16:50,020 Ukraine . In the use of these systems . 365 00:16:50,030 --> 00:16:52,590 For example , Ukrainians have struck 366 00:16:52,590 --> 00:16:55,430 over 400 targets with the High Mars and 367 00:16:55,430 --> 00:16:57,980 have had devastating effect . Russian 368 00:16:57,980 --> 00:16:59,869 lines of communication and supply 369 00:16:59,869 --> 00:17:03,330 channels are severely strained . It is 370 00:17:03,330 --> 00:17:05,441 having a direct impact on the Russian 371 00:17:05,441 --> 00:17:08,420 ability to project and sustain combat 372 00:17:08,420 --> 00:17:10,980 power . Russian command and control in 373 00:17:10,980 --> 00:17:13,270 the headquarters have been disrupted 374 00:17:13,280 --> 00:17:15,502 and they're having they're having great 375 00:17:15,502 --> 00:17:17,900 difficulty resupplying their forces and 376 00:17:17,900 --> 00:17:21,610 replacing their combat losses . The war 377 00:17:21,610 --> 00:17:24,890 is not over . Russia is a big country . 378 00:17:25,590 --> 00:17:27,980 They have very serious ambitions with 379 00:17:27,980 --> 00:17:31,250 respect to Ukraine . So sustainment of 380 00:17:31,250 --> 00:17:33,480 Ukraine to continue their fight for 381 00:17:33,480 --> 00:17:36,350 their survival will be necessary . And 382 00:17:36,350 --> 00:17:38,210 moving forward . I know that the 383 00:17:38,220 --> 00:17:40,442 Secretary and all of the members of the 384 00:17:40,442 --> 00:17:42,560 contact group , we're gonna work 385 00:17:42,560 --> 00:17:45,460 together in the future with our 386 00:17:45,460 --> 00:17:47,520 counterparts to continue to provide 387 00:17:47,520 --> 00:17:50,850 Ukraine what they need to continue 388 00:17:50,860 --> 00:17:53,350 their quest for their freedom . The 389 00:17:53,350 --> 00:17:55,517 nature of war is often unpredictable , 390 00:17:56,590 --> 00:17:59,030 but we are committed shoulder to 391 00:17:59,030 --> 00:18:01,130 shoulder with Ukraine to ensure they 392 00:18:01,140 --> 00:18:03,640 remain a free , independent and 393 00:18:03,640 --> 00:18:05,418 sovereign country . Thank you . 394 00:18:05,418 --> 00:18:07,529 Secretary . And I look forward to all 395 00:18:07,529 --> 00:18:09,473 of your questions . Thank you . Mr 396 00:18:09,473 --> 00:18:11,640 Secretary . Thank you . Chairman . Our 397 00:18:11,640 --> 00:18:13,640 first question will go to idris ali 398 00:18:13,640 --> 00:18:14,640 from Reuters . 399 00:18:19,440 --> 00:18:22,530 Mrs Secretary . Your administration has 400 00:18:22,530 --> 00:18:24,530 indicated that they will go back to 401 00:18:24,530 --> 00:18:26,940 Congress for additional funding for 402 00:18:26,940 --> 00:18:29,260 Ukraine's war needs . And some 403 00:18:29,290 --> 00:18:31,910 lawmakers have already expressed 404 00:18:31,910 --> 00:18:34,420 skepticism about their willingness to 405 00:18:34,420 --> 00:18:37,690 to pass additional funding . Can you 406 00:18:37,700 --> 00:18:41,610 explain to the american taxpayers why 407 00:18:41,970 --> 00:18:44,830 the why Congress should approve 408 00:18:44,830 --> 00:18:48,480 additional funding for military aid to 409 00:18:48,480 --> 00:18:51,010 Ukraine , given that the domestic 410 00:18:51,010 --> 00:18:52,843 economy is still in a precarious 411 00:18:52,843 --> 00:18:55,090 situation ? Um and for the Chairman , 412 00:18:55,090 --> 00:18:57,201 you mentioned the counter offensive . 413 00:18:57,201 --> 00:18:59,368 Um would you describe the progress the 414 00:18:59,368 --> 00:19:02,020 Ukrainians have made in the south as as 415 00:19:02,020 --> 00:19:05,060 being modest as being sort of slower 416 00:19:05,060 --> 00:19:07,227 than expected ? How would you describe 417 00:19:07,227 --> 00:19:09,227 it ? And are you concerned that now 418 00:19:09,227 --> 00:19:11,060 that they have started a counter 419 00:19:11,060 --> 00:19:13,393 offensive partially in the east as well , 420 00:19:13,393 --> 00:19:15,060 that they might be um sort of 421 00:19:15,060 --> 00:19:17,171 overstretched in their capabilities . 422 00:19:18,100 --> 00:19:21,420 Well , thanks idris um , as you know 423 00:19:21,420 --> 00:19:25,000 what we've seen uh in terms of 424 00:19:25,000 --> 00:19:27,370 support from Congress to this point has 425 00:19:27,370 --> 00:19:31,090 been broad bipartisan support uh and 426 00:19:31,090 --> 00:19:34,720 based upon the interest in uh in 427 00:19:34,720 --> 00:19:37,150 the in the support that we've seen , I 428 00:19:37,150 --> 00:19:39,230 fully expect that will continue to 429 00:19:39,240 --> 00:19:43,090 receive uh broad bipartisan support 430 00:19:43,090 --> 00:19:45,890 because our leaders recognize how 431 00:19:45,890 --> 00:19:48,660 important this is , how important it is 432 00:19:48,660 --> 00:19:52,140 that that we continue to help Ukraine 433 00:19:52,150 --> 00:19:54,480 have the ability to protect its 434 00:19:54,480 --> 00:19:58,080 sovereign territory . So clearly , you 435 00:19:58,080 --> 00:20:01,890 know , as we uh as we um ask 436 00:20:01,890 --> 00:20:04,160 for resources , there's always an 437 00:20:04,160 --> 00:20:07,110 expectation that we are able to lay out 438 00:20:07,110 --> 00:20:09,870 the uh , the rationale for those for 439 00:20:09,870 --> 00:20:11,981 those requests and we'll certainly do 440 00:20:11,981 --> 00:20:13,981 that . But what I would say is that 441 00:20:13,981 --> 00:20:15,981 what we've seen from the Ukrainians 442 00:20:15,981 --> 00:20:18,203 thus far . And the chairman highlighted 443 00:20:18,203 --> 00:20:21,850 this uh , in a very straightforward way 444 00:20:21,860 --> 00:20:24,850 the Ukrainians have put to use good use 445 00:20:25,340 --> 00:20:27,690 the equipment that we've provided them 446 00:20:27,700 --> 00:20:29,478 and we see those effects on the 447 00:20:29,478 --> 00:20:32,800 battlefield as we speak . Um , Hi mars 448 00:20:32,800 --> 00:20:34,911 are one example , but there are other 449 00:20:34,911 --> 00:20:37,640 examples as well . Uh , Ukrainians have 450 00:20:37,640 --> 00:20:40,870 inflicted significant 451 00:20:40,870 --> 00:20:44,760 damage to uh , the Russian 452 00:20:44,760 --> 00:20:48,570 supply lines and uh , and ammunition , 453 00:20:48,570 --> 00:20:50,681 supply points and command and control 454 00:20:50,681 --> 00:20:53,140 nodes as they , as they continue to 455 00:20:53,140 --> 00:20:55,390 shape the battlefield to be able to 456 00:20:55,390 --> 00:20:57,830 maneuver , to retake some of their 457 00:20:57,830 --> 00:21:00,100 sovereign territory . So I expect that 458 00:21:00,100 --> 00:21:02,660 we'll continue to see uh , support , 459 00:21:02,660 --> 00:21:05,490 but I fully appreciate the fact that 460 00:21:05,500 --> 00:21:07,556 there will be an expectation that we 461 00:21:07,556 --> 00:21:10,250 lay out the rationale for that . So 462 00:21:10,250 --> 00:21:13,850 it's just the uh question of progress 463 00:21:13,850 --> 00:21:16,017 in the south . Again , as I said in my 464 00:21:16,017 --> 00:21:18,072 opening remarks , I think it's a bit 465 00:21:18,072 --> 00:21:20,017 early to make a full and wholesome 466 00:21:20,017 --> 00:21:22,072 assessment . What the Ukrainians are 467 00:21:22,072 --> 00:21:24,128 doing is a very deliberate offensive 468 00:21:24,128 --> 00:21:26,128 attack . They're setting conditions 469 00:21:26,128 --> 00:21:27,830 with fires uh in order to set 470 00:21:27,830 --> 00:21:29,719 conditions for ground maneuver to 471 00:21:29,719 --> 00:21:31,941 accomplish the objectives that they set 472 00:21:31,941 --> 00:21:34,108 out . I don't want to go over specific 473 00:21:34,108 --> 00:21:35,886 accesses of advance of specific 474 00:21:35,886 --> 00:21:37,830 objectives at this point , I think 475 00:21:37,830 --> 00:21:40,052 that's too early . But I would say that 476 00:21:40,052 --> 00:21:41,941 I would characterize it as a very 477 00:21:41,941 --> 00:21:44,108 deliberate offensive operation uh that 478 00:21:44,108 --> 00:21:46,400 is calibrated to set conditions and 479 00:21:46,400 --> 00:21:49,210 then seize their objectives . Um And 480 00:21:49,220 --> 00:21:51,590 and we think at this point uh that 481 00:21:51,590 --> 00:21:53,757 their progress , you you mentioned the 482 00:21:53,757 --> 00:21:55,701 word modest or moderate , uh their 483 00:21:55,701 --> 00:21:57,868 progress is steady and it's deliberate 484 00:21:57,868 --> 00:22:00,110 um secondly is overstretched ? No , I 485 00:22:00,110 --> 00:22:03,470 don't . There are this battlefield 486 00:22:03,480 --> 00:22:06,030 uh you know from from Kharkiv all the 487 00:22:06,030 --> 00:22:08,390 way down . Two courtesan is a 488 00:22:08,390 --> 00:22:10,660 significant frontline trace . If you 489 00:22:10,660 --> 00:22:14,350 will , it's about 2500 kilometers of 490 00:22:14,360 --> 00:22:16,740 border that Ukraine has to protect . 491 00:22:16,740 --> 00:22:19,090 And about 1300 of them are engaged in 492 00:22:19,090 --> 00:22:21,300 acts 1300 kilometers are engaged in 493 00:22:21,980 --> 00:22:24,036 active combat one way or another and 494 00:22:24,036 --> 00:22:26,258 it's a little bit less than that as you 495 00:22:26,258 --> 00:22:28,424 go from Kharkiv down to courtesan . So 496 00:22:28,424 --> 00:22:30,536 there's fighting all along that front 497 00:22:30,536 --> 00:22:33,950 and one of the areas you mentioned the 498 00:22:33,960 --> 00:22:36,110 counter fence up in Kharkiv that that 499 00:22:36,110 --> 00:22:38,220 is being launched also by Ukraine 500 00:22:38,480 --> 00:22:40,702 there's been fighting back and forth in 501 00:22:40,702 --> 00:22:43,036 and around card key for the entire time , 502 00:22:43,036 --> 00:22:45,258 but I don't think they are particularly 503 00:22:45,258 --> 00:22:47,258 overstretched per se . But there is 504 00:22:47,258 --> 00:22:49,258 fighting , both offense and defense 505 00:22:49,258 --> 00:22:51,480 from all the way from Kharkiv , all the 506 00:22:51,480 --> 00:22:53,591 way down to courtesan right now . The 507 00:22:53,591 --> 00:22:55,758 intensity of the fighting is occurring 508 00:22:55,758 --> 00:22:57,536 up in Kharkiv . The significant 509 00:22:57,536 --> 00:22:59,758 fighting down around back mood and then 510 00:22:59,758 --> 00:23:02,091 of course the offensive down in Kherson . 511 00:23:02,091 --> 00:23:03,924 So they're continuing to fight . 512 00:23:03,924 --> 00:23:05,924 They've got the forces to do it and 513 00:23:05,924 --> 00:23:08,036 we'll see how this plays out . Okay , 514 00:23:08,036 --> 00:23:10,147 for our second question , we'll go to 515 00:23:10,147 --> 00:23:11,869 Spangenberg a from a A R . D . 516 00:23:14,820 --> 00:23:18,310 My question is there a shift in the aim 517 00:23:18,310 --> 00:23:20,730 of the Ukraine contact group from 518 00:23:20,740 --> 00:23:23,750 initially enabling Ukraine to defend 519 00:23:23,750 --> 00:23:26,870 itself to now supporting Ukraine's 520 00:23:26,880 --> 00:23:28,790 efforts in regaining conquered 521 00:23:28,800 --> 00:23:32,680 territories . Like the cream is 522 00:23:32,680 --> 00:23:35,260 that question for me ? Okay , great . 523 00:23:36,020 --> 00:23:39,150 So as we , as a chairman described 524 00:23:39,150 --> 00:23:42,200 earlier , we've seen a shift in the 525 00:23:42,200 --> 00:23:45,780 dynamics on the battlefield over time . 526 00:23:45,790 --> 00:23:48,380 Started out in the east . Uh , the 527 00:23:48,390 --> 00:23:51,200 Russians attacking on multiple axes . 528 00:23:51,210 --> 00:23:54,650 Um , a serious battle unfolded 529 00:23:54,660 --> 00:23:57,900 uh , around Kiev . 530 00:23:57,910 --> 00:24:01,290 Ukrainians won that battle fight then 531 00:24:01,290 --> 00:24:04,350 again shifted down to Don boss and it 532 00:24:04,360 --> 00:24:07,220 turned into a struggle , an artillery 533 00:24:07,220 --> 00:24:10,290 struggle and uh and it was really 534 00:24:10,300 --> 00:24:12,400 defined and shaped by long range 535 00:24:12,400 --> 00:24:15,960 artillery systems as the Ukrainians 536 00:24:15,970 --> 00:24:19,810 have acquired additional capabilities 537 00:24:19,810 --> 00:24:22,850 in terms of high mars and harm missiles 538 00:24:22,850 --> 00:24:25,420 and those types of things not only from 539 00:24:25,420 --> 00:24:28,480 us but from our allies as well . They 540 00:24:28,480 --> 00:24:31,000 begin to change the dynamics on the 541 00:24:31,000 --> 00:24:34,170 battlefield again . Uh and uh and are 542 00:24:34,170 --> 00:24:37,340 exercising some initiative . And so we 543 00:24:37,340 --> 00:24:39,990 have remained focused throughout on 544 00:24:39,990 --> 00:24:43,090 helping you Ukraine defend its 545 00:24:43,090 --> 00:24:45,710 sovereign territory . We remain focused 546 00:24:45,710 --> 00:24:49,600 on that uh and and as they prosecute 547 00:24:49,600 --> 00:24:52,570 this fight , certainly they intend to 548 00:24:52,570 --> 00:24:55,590 take back some of that territory that 549 00:24:55,600 --> 00:24:59,460 Russia has occupied in in uh in the 550 00:24:59,460 --> 00:25:03,150 south , in in in in the east . And so 551 00:25:03,150 --> 00:25:05,372 that's their focus and we will continue 552 00:25:05,372 --> 00:25:08,140 to support their efforts uh to to 553 00:25:08,140 --> 00:25:10,200 defend their sovereign territory and 554 00:25:10,200 --> 00:25:13,000 and and protect their sovereignty . So 555 00:25:13,010 --> 00:25:16,150 in essence , our goals and aims have 556 00:25:16,150 --> 00:25:19,410 not changed , but we remain focused on 557 00:25:19,420 --> 00:25:21,476 the dynamics of the fight and what's 558 00:25:21,476 --> 00:25:23,670 needed to be successful in that fight 559 00:25:23,680 --> 00:25:26,330 and we we endeavor to stay one or two 560 00:25:26,330 --> 00:25:28,860 steps ahead there . So thank you sir 561 00:25:29,640 --> 00:25:31,473 for our next question will go to 562 00:25:31,473 --> 00:25:33,630 Jonathan , uh new york times . 563 00:25:36,240 --> 00:25:38,890 Mr . Secretary in your remarks today , 564 00:25:38,900 --> 00:25:40,900 you've mentioned that you'd like to 565 00:25:40,900 --> 00:25:43,011 bring together the national armaments 566 00:25:43,011 --> 00:25:44,900 directors of contact group member 567 00:25:44,900 --> 00:25:46,900 nations . Can you explain what that 568 00:25:46,900 --> 00:25:48,567 would entail and whether this 569 00:25:48,567 --> 00:25:50,678 coordination plus your comments about 570 00:25:50,678 --> 00:25:50,560 the need for increased munitions 571 00:25:50,560 --> 00:25:53,050 production constitutes the mobilization 572 00:25:53,050 --> 00:25:55,161 of the domestic defense industries of 573 00:25:55,161 --> 00:25:57,161 the roughly 50 contact group member 574 00:25:57,161 --> 00:26:00,240 nations ? Well , I think all of 575 00:26:00,240 --> 00:26:03,920 our partners and allies that 576 00:26:03,920 --> 00:26:07,590 are , are part of the Contact group uh 577 00:26:07,600 --> 00:26:09,910 remain focused on making sure that they 578 00:26:09,910 --> 00:26:13,520 have uh what's required in their stocks 579 00:26:13,530 --> 00:26:16,900 uh to defend their interest , but at 580 00:26:16,900 --> 00:26:19,270 the same time continue to contribute in 581 00:26:19,270 --> 00:26:22,150 a meaningful way uh to Ukraine ? Not 582 00:26:22,150 --> 00:26:24,890 just now , but going into into the 583 00:26:24,890 --> 00:26:27,650 future as well . And so 584 00:26:27,660 --> 00:26:31,500 uh we all believe that working 585 00:26:31,500 --> 00:26:34,350 together , we can better streamline 586 00:26:34,350 --> 00:26:37,010 things . We can shorten times for uh 587 00:26:37,020 --> 00:26:40,520 short acquisition times . Perhaps work 588 00:26:40,520 --> 00:26:43,410 on uh on supply chain issues , learn 589 00:26:43,410 --> 00:26:46,030 from each other . Uh We can increase 590 00:26:46,040 --> 00:26:49,190 interoperability by making sure that , 591 00:26:49,200 --> 00:26:52,390 you know , if I have a 1155 592 00:26:52,400 --> 00:26:55,710 howitzer and I'm from one 593 00:26:55,710 --> 00:26:59,560 country , the rounds from another 155 594 00:26:59,560 --> 00:27:02,490 howitzer type of howard , sir , can can 595 00:27:02,490 --> 00:27:05,230 be used in that particular uh weapon as 596 00:27:05,230 --> 00:27:07,174 well . So this interoperability is 597 00:27:07,174 --> 00:27:11,010 important , not only to the in terms of 598 00:27:11,010 --> 00:27:13,470 the Ukraine effort , it's important for 599 00:27:13,470 --> 00:27:15,637 NATO at large . So I think there are a 600 00:27:15,637 --> 00:27:17,710 number of things that that we can we 601 00:27:17,710 --> 00:27:19,821 can do , we can work together again , 602 00:27:19,821 --> 00:27:21,990 share lessons , uh streamlined 603 00:27:21,990 --> 00:27:25,840 processes , uh um and uh and shortened 604 00:27:25,840 --> 00:27:29,840 acquisition times where possible . So I 605 00:27:29,840 --> 00:27:32,062 think there's broad agreement that this 606 00:27:32,062 --> 00:27:34,284 is an area that we can work on together 607 00:27:34,284 --> 00:27:37,410 and and and improve our ability to 608 00:27:37,410 --> 00:27:40,580 provide uh capability to Ukraine , not 609 00:27:40,580 --> 00:27:43,190 just for now , but for the for the 610 00:27:43,200 --> 00:27:45,840 foreseeable future as well . We have 611 00:27:45,840 --> 00:27:47,951 time for one more question . We'll go 612 00:27:47,951 --> 00:27:51,820 to Crystal Haas ZdF . My question 613 00:27:51,820 --> 00:27:54,580 is for the Secretary of Defense , um 614 00:27:54,590 --> 00:27:57,310 the Ukraine e recently asked for 615 00:27:57,320 --> 00:28:01,100 heavily armed battle tanks to like 616 00:28:01,110 --> 00:28:04,810 the german leo part tank ? 617 00:28:04,820 --> 00:28:07,920 What is what are the reasons that on 618 00:28:07,920 --> 00:28:11,520 this meeting ? That was no , no 619 00:28:11,520 --> 00:28:15,320 topic . And why don't you come 620 00:28:15,330 --> 00:28:18,950 or answer positively to that request of 621 00:28:18,950 --> 00:28:22,810 the Ukraine . E I'm sorry , I 622 00:28:22,820 --> 00:28:24,764 didn't hear the first part of your 623 00:28:24,764 --> 00:28:27,790 question there . Ukrainy was asking for 624 00:28:27,800 --> 00:28:30,900 battle tanks , special heavily armed 625 00:28:30,910 --> 00:28:33,450 battle tanks to be delivered , 626 00:28:33,460 --> 00:28:36,210 especially from Germany , but today it 627 00:28:36,210 --> 00:28:38,660 was no topic . So what are the reasons ? 628 00:28:39,550 --> 00:28:41,840 So we've seen Ukraine rightfully 629 00:28:41,840 --> 00:28:45,790 request help with armored vehicles uh , 630 00:28:45,800 --> 00:28:49,760 throughout this conflict . And in a lot 631 00:28:49,760 --> 00:28:51,927 of help has been provided . We've seen 632 00:28:51,927 --> 00:28:54,430 countries from , you know , throughout 633 00:28:54,430 --> 00:28:57,380 the entire region , uh , move forward 634 00:28:57,390 --> 00:29:00,160 and and provide tanks and armored 635 00:29:00,160 --> 00:29:03,140 personnel carriers , uh , to , to 636 00:29:03,140 --> 00:29:05,190 Ukraine , the United States has 637 00:29:05,190 --> 00:29:07,357 provided a number of armored personnel 638 00:29:07,357 --> 00:29:10,770 carriers , up armored Humvees , armored 639 00:29:10,770 --> 00:29:14,720 ambulances , um , m wraps as you 640 00:29:14,720 --> 00:29:17,110 know , those are the heavier wheel 641 00:29:17,110 --> 00:29:19,990 vehicles uh , and and other countries 642 00:29:19,990 --> 00:29:22,046 have stepped up as well . And you'll 643 00:29:22,046 --> 00:29:23,823 recall , I know you you're very 644 00:29:23,823 --> 00:29:25,880 familiar with this Germany just 645 00:29:25,880 --> 00:29:28,120 recently provided some armored air 646 00:29:28,120 --> 00:29:31,840 defense capabilities to uh , to Ukraine . 647 00:29:31,850 --> 00:29:34,860 So the entire community continues to 648 00:29:34,860 --> 00:29:37,720 work together to provide as much as we 649 00:29:37,720 --> 00:29:41,260 can as fast as we can and focus on 650 00:29:41,260 --> 00:29:43,093 those things that are , that are 651 00:29:43,093 --> 00:29:45,149 relevant to , to the current fight , 652 00:29:45,149 --> 00:29:47,320 but also provide some capability going 653 00:29:47,320 --> 00:29:50,050 forward there . So again , it's a , it 654 00:29:50,050 --> 00:29:52,106 continues to be a work in progress , 655 00:29:52,106 --> 00:29:54,750 but I can assure you that , that the 656 00:29:54,750 --> 00:29:57,060 team , the entire team remains focused 657 00:29:57,060 --> 00:29:59,116 on this and Germany stepped up to do 658 00:29:59,116 --> 00:30:01,820 its part along the way as well . Thank 659 00:30:01,820 --> 00:30:04,153 you very much . Everybody appreciate it . 660 00:30:13,520 --> 00:30:15,409 You guys sure you don't have more 661 00:30:15,409 --> 00:30:17,020 questions for the chairman . 662 00:30:19,340 --> 00:30:20,900 I think it was perfect .