1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:00,000 2 00:00:04,630 --> 00:00:07,310 Alright , good afternoon . Everyone 3 00:00:07,320 --> 00:00:09,431 joining us today in the briefing room 4 00:00:09,431 --> 00:00:11,264 is Deputy Assistant Secretary of 5 00:00:11,264 --> 00:00:13,340 Defense for Russia , Ukraine and 6 00:00:13,340 --> 00:00:15,600 Eurasia Laura Cooper , who will provide 7 00:00:15,600 --> 00:00:17,822 some remarks about today's announcement 8 00:00:17,822 --> 00:00:19,767 regarding the approval of the 29th 9 00:00:19,767 --> 00:00:21,878 presidential drawdown authorization , 10 00:00:21,878 --> 00:00:23,933 authorization and support of Ukraine 11 00:00:23,933 --> 00:00:26,156 security assistance and afterwards will 12 00:00:26,156 --> 00:00:28,211 be available to answer any questions 13 00:00:28,211 --> 00:00:30,322 that you have . Thank you . Secretary 14 00:00:30,322 --> 00:00:32,600 Cooper over to you , ma'am . Thank you . 15 00:00:32,600 --> 00:00:34,767 Good afternoon . I am proud to be here 16 00:00:34,767 --> 00:00:36,267 today to discuss the biden 17 00:00:36,267 --> 00:00:38,470 administration's commitment of over $3 18 00:00:38,470 --> 00:00:40,920 billion in security assistance for 19 00:00:40,920 --> 00:00:43,440 Ukraine . As president biden said 20 00:00:43,440 --> 00:00:46,030 yesterday , the war in Ukraine is at a 21 00:00:46,030 --> 00:00:48,770 critical point right now and we have to 22 00:00:48,770 --> 00:00:51,310 do everything we can to help the 23 00:00:51,310 --> 00:00:54,230 Ukrainians continue to resist Russian 24 00:00:54,230 --> 00:00:57,220 aggression . Today's announcement , the 25 00:00:57,220 --> 00:00:59,387 largest security assistance package in 26 00:00:59,387 --> 00:01:02,040 total value that we have committed so 27 00:01:02,040 --> 00:01:05,280 far reflects our enduring commitment to 28 00:01:05,280 --> 00:01:08,790 support Ukraine . This package includes 29 00:01:08,920 --> 00:01:10,809 the authorization of presidential 30 00:01:10,809 --> 00:01:12,530 drawdown of equipment from us 31 00:01:12,540 --> 00:01:15,200 inventories valued at up to 32 00:01:15,200 --> 00:01:19,090 $2.85 billion dollars And 33 00:01:19,100 --> 00:01:22,740 it includes an additional $225 million 34 00:01:22,740 --> 00:01:25,730 dollars in foreign military financing 35 00:01:25,740 --> 00:01:28,260 to contribute to the long term capacity 36 00:01:28,270 --> 00:01:31,080 and modernization of Ukraine's military . 37 00:01:31,630 --> 00:01:33,600 So let me highlight some of the 38 00:01:33,600 --> 00:01:36,040 capabilities included in this package . 39 00:01:36,580 --> 00:01:39,130 First , as president biden announced 40 00:01:39,130 --> 00:01:41,970 yesterday , we are committing 50 41 00:01:41,980 --> 00:01:45,280 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles with 42 00:01:45,280 --> 00:01:48,860 500 tow antitank missiles 43 00:01:48,870 --> 00:01:52,560 and 250,000 rounds of 44 00:01:52,560 --> 00:01:55,910 25 millimeter ammunition . The Bradley 45 00:01:55,910 --> 00:01:58,132 vehicles will further enhance Ukraine's 46 00:01:58,132 --> 00:02:01,530 ability to conduct complex maneuvers in 47 00:02:01,530 --> 00:02:03,419 almost all weather conditions and 48 00:02:03,419 --> 00:02:05,530 terrain , especially in the south and 49 00:02:05,530 --> 00:02:07,700 the east of the country . The Bradley 50 00:02:07,700 --> 00:02:10,090 is a tracked armored vehicle that is 51 00:02:10,090 --> 00:02:13,430 Agile provides mounted firepower and is 52 00:02:13,430 --> 00:02:16,100 a significant anti armor capability . 53 00:02:17,090 --> 00:02:19,990 This complements a series of armor 54 00:02:19,990 --> 00:02:22,230 commitments by the United States and 55 00:02:22,230 --> 00:02:25,450 our allies . These include a french 56 00:02:25,450 --> 00:02:28,930 commitment of AMX 10 light tanks , a 57 00:02:28,930 --> 00:02:32,080 german commitment of martyr infantry 58 00:02:32,080 --> 00:02:34,570 fighting vehicles , both announced this 59 00:02:34,570 --> 00:02:37,100 week , as well as a recent joint US 60 00:02:37,100 --> 00:02:38,989 Netherlands commitment to provide 61 00:02:38,989 --> 00:02:42,880 upgraded T 72 tanks . This package also 62 00:02:42,880 --> 00:02:46,840 includes 100 M 113 armored personnel 63 00:02:46,840 --> 00:02:50,550 carriers , 55 mine resistant 64 00:02:50,550 --> 00:02:53,670 ambush protected vehicles or MRAPs and 65 00:02:53,670 --> 00:02:57,410 another 138 Humvees . These 66 00:02:57,410 --> 00:03:00,730 additional M 11 three's beyond the 200 67 00:03:00,730 --> 00:03:02,960 we have already committed will further 68 00:03:02,960 --> 00:03:04,904 enhance Ukraine's fleet of tracked 69 00:03:04,904 --> 00:03:07,071 armored vehicles to support operations 70 00:03:07,071 --> 00:03:09,600 in the east and south . We have now 71 00:03:09,600 --> 00:03:13,280 committed more than 1300 Humvees 72 00:03:13,490 --> 00:03:15,323 to enable Ukraine to protect and 73 00:03:15,323 --> 00:03:17,490 transport their forces during maneuver 74 00:03:17,490 --> 00:03:20,690 operations . The M Raps will improve 75 00:03:20,690 --> 00:03:22,468 Ukraine's ability to maneuver , 76 00:03:22,550 --> 00:03:25,110 including through heavily mined terrain . 77 00:03:26,050 --> 00:03:28,400 In addition , the package includes 78 00:03:28,410 --> 00:03:30,810 significant artillery commitments . 79 00:03:30,820 --> 00:03:34,160 These include 18 self propelled 80 00:03:34,170 --> 00:03:37,920 propelled 155 millimeter howitzers 81 00:03:37,930 --> 00:03:41,340 known as the paladin system and an 82 00:03:41,350 --> 00:03:44,720 additional 155 millimeter and 83 00:03:44,730 --> 00:03:46,860 additional 155 millimeter artillery 84 00:03:46,860 --> 00:03:50,020 rounds . This is the first commitment 85 00:03:50,030 --> 00:03:52,290 of U . S . Commitment of the self 86 00:03:52,290 --> 00:03:54,220 propelled howitzers , which will 87 00:03:54,220 --> 00:03:56,230 provide greater protection and 88 00:03:56,230 --> 00:03:57,952 maneuverability than the towed 89 00:03:57,952 --> 00:04:00,860 howitzers previously provided and will 90 00:04:00,860 --> 00:04:03,830 complement self propelled howitzers 91 00:04:03,840 --> 00:04:07,390 already provided by allies . We are 92 00:04:07,390 --> 00:04:11,310 also providing an additional 36 105 93 00:04:11,310 --> 00:04:13,490 millimeter towed howitzers to 94 00:04:13,490 --> 00:04:15,601 strengthen Ukraine's layered approach 95 00:04:15,601 --> 00:04:17,890 to fires as well as 100 and five 96 00:04:17,890 --> 00:04:21,590 millimeter rounds . These capabilities 97 00:04:21,590 --> 00:04:23,800 will complement and work with the 98 00:04:23,800 --> 00:04:26,470 expanded U . S . Led training beginning 99 00:04:26,470 --> 00:04:28,680 this month . That will build Ukraine's 100 00:04:28,680 --> 00:04:31,350 capacity to conduct joint maneuver and 101 00:04:31,350 --> 00:04:34,230 combined operations . We will ensure 102 00:04:34,230 --> 00:04:36,780 Ukraine has both the equipment and the 103 00:04:36,780 --> 00:04:39,500 skilled forces necessary to sustain its 104 00:04:39,500 --> 00:04:41,278 efforts to push back on Russian 105 00:04:41,278 --> 00:04:43,310 aggression . We are also committing 106 00:04:43,310 --> 00:04:46,820 4000 Zuni aircraft rockets which can be 107 00:04:46,820 --> 00:04:49,650 mounted on Ukraine's existing aircraft 108 00:04:49,660 --> 00:04:52,570 to engage air or ground targets in the 109 00:04:52,570 --> 00:04:54,950 category of Air Defense , which is 110 00:04:54,950 --> 00:04:58,160 still a top priority for Ukraine . 111 00:04:58,170 --> 00:05:00,945 Given Russia's ongoing missile attacks , 112 00:05:00,955 --> 00:05:04,355 we are committing rim seven missiles . 113 00:05:04,645 --> 00:05:07,545 These can be integrated into Ukraine's 114 00:05:07,555 --> 00:05:10,685 soviet era tactical surface to air 115 00:05:10,685 --> 00:05:13,325 missile systems . And this provides the 116 00:05:13,325 --> 00:05:15,955 Ukrainians with additional capabilities 117 00:05:15,955 --> 00:05:17,788 to defend against Russian aerial 118 00:05:17,788 --> 00:05:20,740 attacks . We will continue to support 119 00:05:20,740 --> 00:05:22,796 Ukraine's urgent requirement for air 120 00:05:22,796 --> 00:05:25,470 defense capabilities to defend against 121 00:05:25,470 --> 00:05:27,540 Russia's brutal attacks which as you 122 00:05:27,540 --> 00:05:29,650 noticed continued throughout the 123 00:05:29,650 --> 00:05:32,860 holiday season . We commend Germany for 124 00:05:32,860 --> 00:05:34,971 its important commitment this week to 125 00:05:34,971 --> 00:05:37,260 also supply a Patriot air defense 126 00:05:37,260 --> 00:05:39,330 battery to Ukraine . This will 127 00:05:39,330 --> 00:05:42,000 supplement the US donation of a Patriot 128 00:05:42,000 --> 00:05:45,820 battery announced in december on the 129 00:05:45,820 --> 00:05:48,330 ground in Ukraine . We continue to see 130 00:05:48,330 --> 00:05:50,660 intense fighting during this winter , 131 00:05:50,680 --> 00:05:53,690 especially in the east around Crimea 132 00:05:53,690 --> 00:05:56,880 and Mahmoud Ukrainian forces forces are 133 00:05:56,880 --> 00:05:59,750 showing an undiminished will to fight 134 00:05:59,760 --> 00:06:02,550 to defend their country . Ukraine will 135 00:06:02,550 --> 00:06:04,606 continue fighting through the winter 136 00:06:04,606 --> 00:06:06,717 with the backing of a large coalition 137 00:06:06,717 --> 00:06:08,580 of nations . And we continue to 138 00:06:08,580 --> 00:06:10,850 encourage allies and partners to make 139 00:06:10,850 --> 00:06:12,730 additional donations to bolster 140 00:06:12,730 --> 00:06:14,860 Ukraine's combat and air defense 141 00:06:14,860 --> 00:06:17,530 capabilities . The United States has 142 00:06:17,530 --> 00:06:20,990 now committed more than $24.2 billion 143 00:06:20,990 --> 00:06:26,230 February . 144 00:06:26,250 --> 00:06:28,560 And we will continue to support Ukraine 145 00:06:28,570 --> 00:06:31,000 for as long as it takes . Thank you . 146 00:06:31,000 --> 00:06:33,167 And I look forward to your questions . 147 00:06:33,167 --> 00:06:35,389 Thank you very much , man . We'll start 148 00:06:35,389 --> 00:06:37,500 with Associated Press Lita , Baldor . 149 00:06:37,590 --> 00:06:41,020 Alright , thanks a lot . Um I guess a 150 00:06:41,030 --> 00:06:44,270 question on the Bradleys , a lot of 151 00:06:44,270 --> 00:06:46,820 predicts would say that it's taken too 152 00:06:46,820 --> 00:06:48,876 long for the U . S . And the West to 153 00:06:48,876 --> 00:06:51,930 send something , send the Bradleys and 154 00:06:52,570 --> 00:06:54,570 complained that the US has not sent 155 00:06:54,570 --> 00:06:57,720 tanks yet . Can you address that ? And 156 00:06:57,730 --> 00:06:59,840 the reluctance to send sort of an 157 00:06:59,840 --> 00:07:03,530 Abrams tank ? And then uh , another 158 00:07:03,530 --> 00:07:06,020 just a quick thing . When do you expect 159 00:07:06,030 --> 00:07:08,620 the training on the Bradleys to begin ? 160 00:07:09,370 --> 00:07:12,750 Um where will that take place ? And 161 00:07:12,750 --> 00:07:15,690 when do you expect them to arrive ? Um 162 00:07:15,700 --> 00:07:17,756 even though you don't want to give a 163 00:07:17,756 --> 00:07:19,867 specific date generally , When do you 164 00:07:19,867 --> 00:07:22,070 expect them to arrive ? Sure . Thanks 165 00:07:22,070 --> 00:07:24,590 lita . Um So in in general , I want to 166 00:07:24,590 --> 00:07:27,560 emphasize again that we are always 167 00:07:27,560 --> 00:07:29,860 looking at what Ukraine needs and 168 00:07:29,870 --> 00:07:32,092 providing them what they need when they 169 00:07:32,092 --> 00:07:34,092 need it and their battlefield needs 170 00:07:34,092 --> 00:07:36,840 have evolved over time . One of the 171 00:07:36,840 --> 00:07:39,030 considerations that we look at is 172 00:07:39,030 --> 00:07:41,350 certainly uh , the capability that , 173 00:07:41,360 --> 00:07:43,700 that an item of equipment would offer , 174 00:07:43,710 --> 00:07:45,932 but we also have to look at things like 175 00:07:45,932 --> 00:07:47,599 maintenance and training , uh 176 00:07:47,599 --> 00:07:50,873 sustainment um and and cost plays a 177 00:07:50,873 --> 00:07:53,533 factor . Certainly at times in the case 178 00:07:53,543 --> 00:07:56,443 of the Bradley , what you are seeing is 179 00:07:56,453 --> 00:07:58,853 a recognition that this is the right 180 00:07:58,863 --> 00:08:01,013 time for us to provide this armored 181 00:08:01,013 --> 00:08:03,423 capability . This is the right time for 182 00:08:03,423 --> 00:08:05,256 Ukraine to take advantage of its 183 00:08:05,256 --> 00:08:07,723 capabilities to change the dynamic on 184 00:08:07,723 --> 00:08:09,890 the battlefield and from a maintenance 185 00:08:09,890 --> 00:08:12,001 and sustainment standpoint . And this 186 00:08:12,001 --> 00:08:14,056 is really important . The Ukrainians 187 00:08:14,056 --> 00:08:16,001 have demonstrated a lot of growing 188 00:08:16,001 --> 00:08:17,723 proficiency in maintenance and 189 00:08:17,723 --> 00:08:20,436 sustainment both within Ukraine and 190 00:08:20,436 --> 00:08:22,996 relying on new systems that we have set 191 00:08:22,996 --> 00:08:25,556 up with our allies and partners to 192 00:08:25,556 --> 00:08:27,667 provide what we call tele maintenance 193 00:08:27,667 --> 00:08:30,046 in many instances . So at this point 194 00:08:30,056 --> 00:08:32,916 the Ukrainians really are set up for 195 00:08:32,916 --> 00:08:36,356 success once we are able to train them 196 00:08:36,356 --> 00:08:38,467 on the system . Um , and I think it's 197 00:08:38,467 --> 00:08:40,634 important to note that this also comes 198 00:08:40,634 --> 00:08:42,960 at the auspicious time that we are 199 00:08:42,970 --> 00:08:45,700 expanding our training program . Many 200 00:08:45,700 --> 00:08:47,960 of you have heard about our launch that 201 00:08:47,960 --> 00:08:50,640 will happen later this month of new 202 00:08:50,640 --> 00:08:53,500 combined arms training . So we will be 203 00:08:53,500 --> 00:08:56,490 able to enable the Ukrainians to take 204 00:08:56,490 --> 00:09:00,380 advantage of this capability and again , 205 00:09:00,380 --> 00:09:02,491 not just actually to employ it on the 206 00:09:02,491 --> 00:09:04,720 battlefield , but to maintain And 207 00:09:04,720 --> 00:09:07,390 sustain it . Um , when you and in terms 208 00:09:07,390 --> 00:09:09,390 of your question about the timing , 209 00:09:09,390 --> 00:09:11,612 it'll take a couple of months basically 210 00:09:11,612 --> 00:09:14,670 to get this capability fielded to get 211 00:09:14,670 --> 00:09:17,540 the Ukrainians trained um that that new 212 00:09:17,540 --> 00:09:19,707 training program that we're starting , 213 00:09:19,707 --> 00:09:21,690 it's roughly a battalions worth of 214 00:09:21,690 --> 00:09:24,700 forces at a time , so roughly 500 215 00:09:24,700 --> 00:09:28,080 soldiers um over the course of roughly 216 00:09:28,080 --> 00:09:30,136 a month . Um and we're adding on the 217 00:09:30,136 --> 00:09:33,370 Bradley training . Um but the tank 218 00:09:33,380 --> 00:09:35,658 capability that you that you reference , 219 00:09:35,658 --> 00:09:37,880 um this is something that we absolutely 220 00:09:37,880 --> 00:09:40,090 agree that Ukraine does need tanks . 221 00:09:40,090 --> 00:09:41,868 It's one of the reasons that we 222 00:09:41,868 --> 00:09:43,757 partnered with the Netherlands to 223 00:09:43,757 --> 00:09:47,190 refurbish a number of T 72 tanks um 224 00:09:47,200 --> 00:09:49,120 that are already arriving on the 225 00:09:49,120 --> 00:09:51,580 battlefield , but we have to be 226 00:09:51,580 --> 00:09:53,350 cognizant of maintenance and 227 00:09:53,350 --> 00:09:56,270 sustainment considerations with tanks 228 00:09:56,280 --> 00:09:58,805 And certainly we know that the Abrams 229 00:09:58,805 --> 00:10:01,005 tank , in addition to being a gas 230 00:10:01,005 --> 00:10:04,745 guzzler is quite , quite challenging to 231 00:10:04,785 --> 00:10:07,815 maintain . Um So we want to look across 232 00:10:07,815 --> 00:10:09,537 the board at the range of tank 233 00:10:09,537 --> 00:10:13,265 capabilities um and and see where we 234 00:10:13,265 --> 00:10:15,695 can all support Ukraine . But again , 235 00:10:15,695 --> 00:10:19,015 we're already doing that with the T 72 236 00:10:19,015 --> 00:10:21,385 tanks and now we see France also with 237 00:10:21,385 --> 00:10:23,718 their light tanks . Thank you very much , 238 00:10:23,718 --> 00:10:26,910 ma'am , you know , there's a lot of 239 00:10:26,910 --> 00:10:28,854 talk about a potential new Russian 240 00:10:28,854 --> 00:10:30,860 offensive . I'm wondering , do you 241 00:10:30,860 --> 00:10:33,390 think that's possible if without a 242 00:10:33,390 --> 00:10:35,390 second mobilization , what would it 243 00:10:35,390 --> 00:10:37,900 take for Russia to stage another a 244 00:10:37,910 --> 00:10:39,966 major offensive and also what do you 245 00:10:39,966 --> 00:10:41,966 read into the offer , the ceasefire 246 00:10:41,966 --> 00:10:44,132 offer from , from Putin , do you think 247 00:10:44,132 --> 00:10:46,500 that was just a ploy ? Um do you think 248 00:10:46,500 --> 00:10:48,890 the Russian forces are looking to reset 249 00:10:48,890 --> 00:10:52,240 and trying to buy time . Thanks . Um 250 00:10:52,250 --> 00:10:54,417 I'll take the second part first Phil . 251 00:10:54,417 --> 00:10:56,361 Um so in terms of , you know , the 252 00:10:56,361 --> 00:10:58,250 statement by , by Putin about the 253 00:10:58,250 --> 00:11:00,139 ceasefire , I can tell you we see 254 00:11:00,139 --> 00:11:02,139 fighting today in Ukraine , um even 255 00:11:02,139 --> 00:11:03,917 though technically we're in the 256 00:11:03,917 --> 00:11:06,028 ceasefire window . Um so , you know , 257 00:11:06,028 --> 00:11:08,139 even if you you thought that this was 258 00:11:08,139 --> 00:11:10,460 just a propaganda ploy , um you know , 259 00:11:10,460 --> 00:11:12,293 it on the ground , it's it's not 260 00:11:12,293 --> 00:11:14,575 playing out . Um and in terms of this 261 00:11:14,575 --> 00:11:16,535 notion of a rest and refit , um 262 00:11:16,535 --> 00:11:18,555 certainly we do assess that Russian 263 00:11:18,555 --> 00:11:20,865 forces are in dire need of rest and 264 00:11:20,865 --> 00:11:23,645 refit . Um but the the short span of 265 00:11:23,645 --> 00:11:25,605 time for this cease fire is not 266 00:11:25,605 --> 00:11:28,315 consistent with that . Um So once again 267 00:11:28,315 --> 00:11:30,315 it's a statement from Putin that we 268 00:11:30,315 --> 00:11:32,315 have to take with a grain of salt . 269 00:11:32,315 --> 00:11:34,482 This is the same man who said he would 270 00:11:34,482 --> 00:11:36,880 not invade Ukraine . Um So in terms of 271 00:11:36,890 --> 00:11:39,001 your , your broader question though , 272 00:11:39,001 --> 00:11:41,168 about what we can expect to see on the 273 00:11:41,168 --> 00:11:43,279 battlefield um , in the , in the kind 274 00:11:43,279 --> 00:11:45,630 of near to midterm . Um I think you 275 00:11:45,630 --> 00:11:48,210 will see Russian forces , you know , 276 00:11:48,210 --> 00:11:50,680 trying to advance , um , you know , 277 00:11:50,680 --> 00:11:53,640 trying to mobilize what they can um in 278 00:11:53,640 --> 00:11:56,020 the case of what we've seen in in bach 279 00:11:56,020 --> 00:11:58,680 mood with Wagner's forces um in many 280 00:11:58,680 --> 00:12:00,800 cases it's conscripted , you know 281 00:12:00,810 --> 00:12:03,540 convicts on the battlefield ? So I 282 00:12:03,540 --> 00:12:05,762 think you'll still see Russia trying to 283 00:12:05,762 --> 00:12:07,984 employ this tactic of just sending wave 284 00:12:07,984 --> 00:12:11,540 upon wave um of forces to try to 285 00:12:11,557 --> 00:12:14,427 gain um what ended up being very 286 00:12:14,427 --> 00:12:17,277 marginal territorial gains . Whether 287 00:12:17,277 --> 00:12:19,388 you're talking , you know , meters or 288 00:12:19,388 --> 00:12:21,610 miles , it really isn't substantial and 289 00:12:21,610 --> 00:12:23,867 I think we'll still see more of that . 290 00:12:23,877 --> 00:12:25,988 Um but I think you will also see this 291 00:12:25,988 --> 00:12:28,847 dynamic of the Ukrainians um as we are 292 00:12:28,847 --> 00:12:31,537 training them as they are um you know , 293 00:12:31,537 --> 00:12:33,759 making use of this new equipment by the 294 00:12:33,759 --> 00:12:35,815 U . S . And the allies . We will see 295 00:12:35,815 --> 00:12:37,648 the Ukrainians also able to move 296 00:12:37,648 --> 00:12:39,481 forward and to to to change this 297 00:12:39,481 --> 00:12:41,704 dynamic on the battlefield . And that's 298 00:12:41,704 --> 00:12:43,426 what we're focused on . Second 299 00:12:43,426 --> 00:12:45,964 mobilization . Would that be militarily 300 00:12:45,964 --> 00:12:48,131 necessary for Russia to make more than 301 00:12:48,131 --> 00:12:50,297 very incremental grains ? And and also 302 00:12:50,297 --> 00:12:52,520 you know , do you believe that that the 303 00:12:52,520 --> 00:12:54,408 Russians still have the desire to 304 00:12:54,408 --> 00:12:57,254 retake you know , big swaths of of 305 00:12:57,254 --> 00:13:00,384 Ukraine ? I assessed that that Putin 306 00:13:00,384 --> 00:13:03,294 has not given up his aims of dominating 307 00:13:03,294 --> 00:13:07,091 Ukraine and continuing to to acquire 308 00:13:07,101 --> 00:13:09,211 Ukraine's territory . So I I do not 309 00:13:09,211 --> 00:13:11,711 think his aims have changed but the 310 00:13:11,711 --> 00:13:15,011 reality of Russian weaknesses , the 311 00:13:15,011 --> 00:13:17,391 Russian armed forces weaknesses has 312 00:13:17,391 --> 00:13:20,551 collided with those aims and you know , 313 00:13:20,551 --> 00:13:22,329 one of the weak points that you 314 00:13:22,329 --> 00:13:24,607 mentioned is the human capital element . 315 00:13:24,607 --> 00:13:27,031 And so um it is clear that to be able 316 00:13:27,031 --> 00:13:30,491 to advance . Um the Russian forces do 317 00:13:30,491 --> 00:13:32,602 need to be of better quality , better 318 00:13:32,602 --> 00:13:35,290 training . Um and morale is a factor 319 00:13:35,290 --> 00:13:38,100 too and that's one that , that Russia 320 00:13:38,100 --> 00:13:40,690 has been unable to affect and if I can 321 00:13:40,690 --> 00:13:43,930 just add on to that , you know , 322 00:13:43,940 --> 00:13:46,700 to Dusty cooper's point , just adding 323 00:13:46,700 --> 00:13:48,830 more people is not going to address 324 00:13:48,840 --> 00:13:51,240 some of the systemic issues that that 325 00:13:51,240 --> 00:13:52,962 the Russian military has faced 326 00:13:52,962 --> 00:13:55,073 throughout this campaign . In fact it 327 00:13:55,073 --> 00:13:57,018 makes it more difficult to conduct 328 00:13:57,018 --> 00:13:59,710 operations . And so while in places 329 00:13:59,710 --> 00:14:01,740 like bach mood where you see Russia 330 00:14:01,750 --> 00:14:03,750 conducting offensive operations and 331 00:14:03,750 --> 00:14:05,917 making some of those incremental gains 332 00:14:05,917 --> 00:14:07,972 largely along that front line . They 333 00:14:07,972 --> 00:14:09,972 have dug in to defend the lines and 334 00:14:09,972 --> 00:14:11,917 defend the territory that they had 335 00:14:11,917 --> 00:14:15,010 taken . And so as you look at the U . S . 336 00:14:15,010 --> 00:14:16,899 And the international response by 337 00:14:16,899 --> 00:14:19,130 providing the equipment and importantly 338 00:14:19,130 --> 00:14:21,352 now the training that we're providing , 339 00:14:21,352 --> 00:14:23,870 it does afford Ukraine an opportunity 340 00:14:23,870 --> 00:14:25,537 to change the equation on the 341 00:14:25,537 --> 00:14:27,860 battlefield and gain momentum and 342 00:14:27,870 --> 00:14:30,148 defend not only defend their territory , 343 00:14:30,148 --> 00:14:32,600 but hopefully take back territory . And 344 00:14:32,600 --> 00:14:35,220 so this is part of that ongoing effort 345 00:14:35,230 --> 00:14:37,210 to support them in that , in that 346 00:14:37,210 --> 00:14:39,266 larger campaign . Okay , let's go to 347 00:14:39,266 --> 00:14:42,390 jenn What impact is the lack of a 348 00:14:42,390 --> 00:14:44,334 speaker of the house and a lack of 349 00:14:44,334 --> 00:14:46,334 actually a house of representatives 350 00:14:46,334 --> 00:14:48,890 right now , having on your ability to 351 00:14:48,900 --> 00:14:51,150 supply Ukraine with weapons or carry 352 00:14:51,150 --> 00:14:53,800 out the work in Ukraine ? I'm still 353 00:14:53,800 --> 00:14:55,467 pushing forward providing the 354 00:14:55,467 --> 00:14:57,467 Ukrainians what they need when they 355 00:14:57,467 --> 00:14:59,710 need it . So no impact . My day to day 356 00:14:59,710 --> 00:15:01,980 is not affected right now . Thank you . 357 00:15:01,990 --> 00:15:04,268 Let's go to Patrick Tucker Defense one . 358 00:15:05,880 --> 00:15:07,991 Hi , thanks for doing this . I wonder 359 00:15:07,991 --> 00:15:10,630 if you could speak really briefly to 360 00:15:10,640 --> 00:15:13,590 how you plan to backfill the Bradleys . 361 00:15:13,600 --> 00:15:16,310 Um , are there gonna be new contracts 362 00:15:16,310 --> 00:15:18,366 for new Bradley's or how we're gonna 363 00:15:18,366 --> 00:15:20,650 address the backfill needs given 364 00:15:20,660 --> 00:15:24,380 today's announcement . Thank you . So 365 00:15:24,380 --> 00:15:26,547 with actually with the Bradleys , it's 366 00:15:26,547 --> 00:15:28,102 the same as with all of our 367 00:15:28,102 --> 00:15:30,213 capabilities that we are providing to 368 00:15:30,213 --> 00:15:33,480 Ukraine . Um , Congress has granted us 369 00:15:33,490 --> 00:15:36,150 replenishment funds so that we can 370 00:15:36,150 --> 00:15:38,640 actually go out and purchase 371 00:15:38,640 --> 00:15:41,475 capabilities to back Phil what we have 372 00:15:41,475 --> 00:15:44,275 provided in cases where it's an ongoing 373 00:15:44,275 --> 00:15:46,442 need . Now I don't have the specific , 374 00:15:46,442 --> 00:15:48,775 you know , contracting details to offer . 375 00:15:48,775 --> 00:15:50,886 Um , but that is the case with , with 376 00:15:50,886 --> 00:15:52,886 each of these areas of capability . 377 00:15:54,605 --> 00:15:58,300 Uh , that rider just used the 378 00:15:58,300 --> 00:16:00,522 term take back territory . You used the 379 00:16:00,522 --> 00:16:02,960 term to change the dynamic on the 380 00:16:02,970 --> 00:16:04,526 battlefield . Can you speak 381 00:16:04,526 --> 00:16:06,860 specifically to what you hope Ukraine 382 00:16:06,870 --> 00:16:09,440 can do and or achieve with this 383 00:16:09,440 --> 00:16:13,200 particular um , group of weapons . And 384 00:16:13,200 --> 00:16:15,200 I know it's a bit of beating a dead 385 00:16:15,200 --> 00:16:17,367 horse . But to lead his question going 386 00:16:17,367 --> 00:16:19,345 back to the thanks , you said that 387 00:16:19,345 --> 00:16:21,345 there's maintenance and sustainment 388 00:16:21,345 --> 00:16:23,401 considerations with the Abrams . The 389 00:16:23,401 --> 00:16:25,289 Ukrainians would say with all due 390 00:16:25,289 --> 00:16:27,401 respect , you had those concerns with 391 00:16:27,401 --> 00:16:29,623 other weapons and we have proven we can 392 00:16:29,623 --> 00:16:31,789 sustain and maintain anything that you 393 00:16:31,789 --> 00:16:33,901 give us . So can you respond again to 394 00:16:33,901 --> 00:16:36,123 the Ukrainian desire for tanks but also 395 00:16:36,123 --> 00:16:38,345 saying that , hey , we can overcome any 396 00:16:38,345 --> 00:16:40,567 challenges that you may see . Okay , so 397 00:16:40,567 --> 00:16:42,512 on the tank issue , it's about the 398 00:16:42,512 --> 00:16:44,734 right capability in multiple facets and 399 00:16:44,734 --> 00:16:46,901 maintenance since and statement is one 400 00:16:46,901 --> 00:16:48,901 of them and it's an important one , 401 00:16:48,901 --> 00:16:48,740 especially when there's alternate 402 00:16:48,740 --> 00:16:50,907 capabilities that , you know , might , 403 00:16:50,907 --> 00:16:53,018 might offer easier maintenance social 404 00:16:53,018 --> 00:16:55,073 statement . Um , but I stand by that 405 00:16:55,073 --> 00:16:57,018 earlier statement that what we are 406 00:16:57,018 --> 00:16:59,184 looking at is providing them what they 407 00:16:59,184 --> 00:17:01,296 need when they need it . Um , and and 408 00:17:01,296 --> 00:17:03,400 the Bradley is a capability that we 409 00:17:03,400 --> 00:17:06,110 could envision them really using to 410 00:17:06,110 --> 00:17:08,370 great effect along with the training . 411 00:17:08,380 --> 00:17:10,269 It's not a capability without the 412 00:17:10,269 --> 00:17:12,047 training , it's just a piece of 413 00:17:12,047 --> 00:17:14,047 equipment otherwise . Um , so we're 414 00:17:14,047 --> 00:17:16,213 providing , you know , the equipment , 415 00:17:16,213 --> 00:17:18,380 the training , the ability to maintain 416 00:17:18,380 --> 00:17:20,602 and sustain both through training , but 417 00:17:20,602 --> 00:17:22,602 also through actually ensuring they 418 00:17:22,602 --> 00:17:24,713 have the right , you know , the right 419 00:17:24,713 --> 00:17:24,550 parts and that they have the right , 420 00:17:24,550 --> 00:17:26,772 know how and access to the right , know 421 00:17:26,772 --> 00:17:29,650 how this is a capability that combined 422 00:17:29,650 --> 00:17:32,410 with this train will enable them to , 423 00:17:32,420 --> 00:17:34,642 to change this . When I say change this 424 00:17:34,642 --> 00:17:36,698 dynamic , it's this dynamic that you 425 00:17:36,698 --> 00:17:38,809 see right now where it's , you know , 426 00:17:38,809 --> 00:17:41,087 inches forward . Um , whether it's the , 427 00:17:41,087 --> 00:17:43,309 you know , the Russians in bach mood or 428 00:17:43,309 --> 00:17:45,420 you know , even the Ukrainians trying 429 00:17:45,420 --> 00:17:47,309 to kind of inch forward . Um , we 430 00:17:47,309 --> 00:17:49,476 believe that through the combined arms 431 00:17:49,476 --> 00:17:51,642 training , they will better be able to 432 00:17:51,642 --> 00:17:53,476 integrate all of their different 433 00:17:53,476 --> 00:17:55,642 capabilities that includes artillery . 434 00:17:55,642 --> 00:17:57,587 Um , you know , all , all types of 435 00:17:57,587 --> 00:18:00,590 fires as well as maneuver to be able to 436 00:18:00,590 --> 00:18:02,500 make greater progress on the 437 00:18:02,500 --> 00:18:05,710 battlefield and really push back on 438 00:18:05,910 --> 00:18:07,910 these Russian positions . So that's 439 00:18:07,910 --> 00:18:10,077 what we're looking forward to , seeing 440 00:18:10,077 --> 00:18:12,299 in the coming months that you just said 441 00:18:12,299 --> 00:18:14,188 it's interest forward now or what 442 00:18:14,188 --> 00:18:16,580 you're saying , general just said take 443 00:18:16,590 --> 00:18:18,646 back territory . Is there a specific 444 00:18:18,646 --> 00:18:20,423 territory ? Is there a specific 445 00:18:20,423 --> 00:18:22,312 achievement that you believe this 446 00:18:22,312 --> 00:18:24,201 package of weapons can enable the 447 00:18:24,201 --> 00:18:26,810 Ukrainians , we take our lead from the 448 00:18:26,810 --> 00:18:29,000 Ukrainian objectives . So the 449 00:18:29,000 --> 00:18:31,190 Ukrainians have , you know , their 450 00:18:31,190 --> 00:18:33,700 plans , their vision of where they want 451 00:18:33,700 --> 00:18:35,811 to press forward on the battlefield . 452 00:18:35,811 --> 00:18:37,811 We certainly , you know , give them 453 00:18:37,811 --> 00:18:39,978 advice and as I said , you know , give 454 00:18:39,978 --> 00:18:42,144 them equipment and training to be able 455 00:18:42,144 --> 00:18:44,311 to meet their objectives . But I'm not 456 00:18:44,311 --> 00:18:46,367 going to speak for um what Ukraine's 457 00:18:46,367 --> 00:18:48,089 specific near term territorial 458 00:18:48,089 --> 00:18:50,256 objectives are , thanks very much Tony 459 00:18:50,256 --> 00:18:52,367 a couple of questions . Is it fair to 460 00:18:52,367 --> 00:18:53,978 say that the US is basically 461 00:18:53,978 --> 00:18:56,144 positioning Ukraine to conduct massive 462 00:18:56,144 --> 00:18:58,850 armor formation attacks on the Russians . 463 00:19:00,000 --> 00:19:02,880 We are positioning Ukraine to be able 464 00:19:02,880 --> 00:19:06,820 to move forward and retake territory um 465 00:19:06,830 --> 00:19:09,270 and uh and be able to , you know , 466 00:19:09,270 --> 00:19:11,880 defend themselves against this 467 00:19:11,890 --> 00:19:15,580 persistent onslaught of Russian missile 468 00:19:15,590 --> 00:19:19,160 attack . To what extent are you having 469 00:19:19,160 --> 00:19:20,993 to cobble together a command and 470 00:19:20,993 --> 00:19:24,210 control system So that french vehicles 471 00:19:24,220 --> 00:19:27,330 and german vehicles and US vehicles can 472 00:19:27,330 --> 00:19:29,870 talk to each other in layman's language 473 00:19:30,120 --> 00:19:32,250 well , so you know , certainly their 474 00:19:32,250 --> 00:19:34,472 different vehicles , but I mean look at 475 00:19:34,472 --> 00:19:36,583 the battlefield in Ukraine today , we 476 00:19:36,583 --> 00:19:38,306 see so many different types of 477 00:19:38,306 --> 00:19:40,139 equipment from so many different 478 00:19:40,139 --> 00:19:41,861 countries . We see soviet type 479 00:19:41,861 --> 00:19:43,970 equipment and you know , modern NATO 480 00:19:43,970 --> 00:19:46,050 interoperable equipment . So I think 481 00:19:46,050 --> 00:19:48,730 the Ukrainians are expert at , you know , 482 00:19:48,730 --> 00:19:50,970 using different types of equipment and 483 00:19:50,970 --> 00:19:52,803 still being able to operate as a 484 00:19:52,803 --> 00:19:54,637 coherent force and in terms like 485 00:19:54,637 --> 00:19:56,970 specifically on communications , um , 486 00:19:56,980 --> 00:19:58,758 you know , over the years we've 487 00:19:58,758 --> 00:20:01,460 provided thousands of individual secure 488 00:20:01,580 --> 00:20:04,530 communications sets to the Ukrainian . 489 00:20:04,530 --> 00:20:06,752 So we know that they can take advantage 490 00:20:06,752 --> 00:20:10,420 of those to be able to communicate and 491 00:20:10,430 --> 00:20:12,850 operate in a mobile fashion . Weapons 492 00:20:12,860 --> 00:20:15,590 Air question J dam kits are supposed to 493 00:20:15,590 --> 00:20:17,701 be going over the joint direct attack 494 00:20:17,701 --> 00:20:19,970 munitions kits . When will the 495 00:20:19,970 --> 00:20:23,550 Ukrainian Air Force be hot wired or the 496 00:20:23,560 --> 00:20:26,200 avionics of their airplanes b adjusted 497 00:20:26,200 --> 00:20:28,533 so they can actually drop these weapons ? 498 00:20:28,533 --> 00:20:30,700 We're talking the next month or two or 499 00:20:30,700 --> 00:20:32,700 is it a longer term process so Tony 500 00:20:32,700 --> 00:20:34,978 when it comes to some new capabilities ? 501 00:20:34,978 --> 00:20:37,089 Um , we like to give the Ukrainians a 502 00:20:37,089 --> 00:20:39,770 chance to actually operate these 503 00:20:39,770 --> 00:20:41,826 capabilities and feel them before we 504 00:20:41,826 --> 00:20:43,937 talk about the specifics . So I'm not 505 00:20:43,937 --> 00:20:46,410 going to give specific timelines and 506 00:20:46,410 --> 00:20:50,160 I'll go back to the uh , thank you . So 507 00:20:50,310 --> 00:20:52,421 I want to focus on the bigger picture 508 00:20:52,421 --> 00:20:55,410 in light of this biggest package of 509 00:20:55,410 --> 00:20:57,521 assistance and the hope that you both 510 00:20:57,521 --> 00:20:59,577 expressed that this training and the 511 00:20:59,577 --> 00:21:01,688 new equipment will aid the Ukrainians 512 00:21:01,688 --> 00:21:04,030 and in retaking more territory is the 513 00:21:04,030 --> 00:21:06,141 assessment and the department and the 514 00:21:06,141 --> 00:21:08,870 administration at large that there's no 515 00:21:08,880 --> 00:21:10,991 political solution for this war . And 516 00:21:10,991 --> 00:21:13,430 the only way to end it is by basically 517 00:21:13,430 --> 00:21:16,170 a victory by Ukraine to change Putin's 518 00:21:16,170 --> 00:21:19,850 calculus we've said before . Um and 519 00:21:19,850 --> 00:21:22,780 I'll reiterate it that our focus is on 520 00:21:22,790 --> 00:21:25,730 giving the Ukrainians the strongest 521 00:21:25,730 --> 00:21:27,980 possible position at the negotiating 522 00:21:27,980 --> 00:21:30,970 table when they choose to move forward 523 00:21:30,980 --> 00:21:33,091 with negotiations and they are in the 524 00:21:33,091 --> 00:21:35,270 driver's seat with that , with all 525 00:21:35,270 --> 00:21:37,159 these commitments and billions of 526 00:21:37,159 --> 00:21:39,980 dollars from taxpayers have any say in 527 00:21:39,980 --> 00:21:42,320 these negotiations whether to create 528 00:21:42,320 --> 00:21:45,730 incentives for Ukraine when the time is 529 00:21:45,730 --> 00:21:48,740 right or it's ultimately only Ukraine's 530 00:21:48,740 --> 00:21:51,430 decision . Again , Ukraine is in the 531 00:21:51,430 --> 00:21:54,830 driver's seat with negotiations and we 532 00:21:54,830 --> 00:21:57,108 are here as they're supportive partner . 533 00:21:57,110 --> 00:21:59,820 And And body to your point , I mean , 534 00:21:59,820 --> 00:22:02,042 this at least from a U . S . Government 535 00:22:02,042 --> 00:22:04,042 standpoint , this is an interagency 536 00:22:04,042 --> 00:22:05,876 process , right ? Which includes 537 00:22:05,876 --> 00:22:08,042 bipartisan support from Congress , the 538 00:22:08,042 --> 00:22:10,153 elected representatives of the people 539 00:22:10,153 --> 00:22:12,740 on that on that note . But again , if 540 00:22:12,740 --> 00:22:14,629 you step back and you look at the 541 00:22:14,629 --> 00:22:16,462 consequences of not supporting a 542 00:22:16,462 --> 00:22:18,720 country like Ukraine that was illegally 543 00:22:18,730 --> 00:22:22,230 invaded , what precedent does that said ? 544 00:22:22,240 --> 00:22:24,351 And how expensive would it be to have 545 00:22:24,351 --> 00:22:26,462 to address the kind of world we would 546 00:22:26,462 --> 00:22:29,300 live in ? Should we not support Ukraine 547 00:22:29,310 --> 00:22:31,532 in countries like that . So , Alright , 548 00:22:31,532 --> 00:22:33,532 let's go ahead and go to the phones 549 00:22:33,532 --> 00:22:37,040 here . I mean , these are two different 550 00:22:37,040 --> 00:22:39,290 things supporting Ukraine to defend 551 00:22:39,290 --> 00:22:42,750 itself is there is uh wide 552 00:22:42,760 --> 00:22:45,420 based support for it in the Congress , 553 00:22:45,430 --> 00:22:48,050 but this is different from supporting 554 00:22:48,050 --> 00:22:50,272 as well , political negotiations to end 555 00:22:50,272 --> 00:22:52,383 to end wars . I mean they can go hand 556 00:22:52,383 --> 00:22:54,550 in hand and there's no contradiction . 557 00:22:54,550 --> 00:22:56,772 So my question was very very precise to 558 00:22:56,772 --> 00:22:58,939 the fact that the U . S . Is being the 559 00:22:58,939 --> 00:23:01,280 biggest beneficiary for Ukraine . Does 560 00:23:01,290 --> 00:23:02,790 the american people or the 561 00:23:02,790 --> 00:23:05,820 administration have any say or even 562 00:23:05,820 --> 00:23:08,500 creating incentives for Ukraine to win 563 00:23:08,500 --> 00:23:10,650 the right when the time is right to 564 00:23:10,660 --> 00:23:12,660 engage the negotiation ? Because it 565 00:23:12,660 --> 00:23:14,827 seems like no one is talking about any 566 00:23:14,827 --> 00:23:18,070 end for this war so far . Sorry go 567 00:23:18,070 --> 00:23:20,070 ahead ma'am . No , I mean I think I 568 00:23:20,070 --> 00:23:22,600 think we answer the question in terms 569 00:23:22,600 --> 00:23:24,600 of certainly the U . S . Has a huge 570 00:23:24,600 --> 00:23:26,420 stake in this and certainly the 571 00:23:26,420 --> 00:23:28,900 Ukrainians um are you know are 572 00:23:28,900 --> 00:23:31,950 listening to us all the time as close 573 00:23:31,950 --> 00:23:34,160 partners . But when it comes to making 574 00:23:34,160 --> 00:23:36,690 these decisions about the specifics of 575 00:23:36,690 --> 00:23:38,790 the negotiations , um the Ukrainians 576 00:23:38,790 --> 00:23:41,070 have to take the lead there . Okay , 577 00:23:41,080 --> 00:23:42,969 let's go to the phone here , Jeff 578 00:23:42,969 --> 00:23:45,860 showgirl task and purpose . Thank you . 579 00:23:45,870 --> 00:23:49,740 I noticed there is a number for the rim 580 00:23:49,740 --> 00:23:51,962 missiles . I was wondering if you could 581 00:23:51,962 --> 00:23:54,018 give us if not a number then a range 582 00:23:54,018 --> 00:23:56,400 and also foreign policy is reporting 583 00:23:56,400 --> 00:23:58,690 that the Kremlin is concerned that a 584 00:23:58,690 --> 00:24:00,579 foreign government could launch a 585 00:24:00,579 --> 00:24:03,080 psychic attack on Kremlin officials 586 00:24:03,090 --> 00:24:05,340 does the U . S . Government have any 587 00:24:05,350 --> 00:24:09,060 weapons or personnel who can get 588 00:24:09,070 --> 00:24:11,710 into the enemy's thoughts . 589 00:24:14,830 --> 00:24:18,600 Okay so on the on the missile um 590 00:24:18,610 --> 00:24:21,030 you'll notice that when we provide air 591 00:24:21,030 --> 00:24:23,260 defense missile capabilities , we do 592 00:24:23,260 --> 00:24:25,160 not give numbers ? Um that is for 593 00:24:25,160 --> 00:24:27,430 operational security reasons , um and 594 00:24:27,430 --> 00:24:29,486 we will maintain that tradition with 595 00:24:29,486 --> 00:24:31,900 this package . Um and I have nothing on 596 00:24:31,900 --> 00:24:34,570 your 2nd , 2nd topic . Thanks Jeff , 597 00:24:34,580 --> 00:24:38,140 let's go to Matt Seiler abc . Hi , 598 00:24:38,140 --> 00:24:40,362 thank you . MS Cooper . You told one of 599 00:24:40,362 --> 00:24:42,529 my colleagues earlier that the lack of 600 00:24:42,529 --> 00:24:44,760 a house speaker doesn't concern you at 601 00:24:44,760 --> 00:24:46,982 the moment . I had a related question . 602 00:24:46,982 --> 00:24:48,982 Bloomberg reported today that Kevin 603 00:24:48,982 --> 00:24:51,149 McCarthy is in discussions over a deal 604 00:24:51,149 --> 00:24:53,204 to help secure support for that role 605 00:24:53,204 --> 00:24:55,371 among Republicans . That could include 606 00:24:55,371 --> 00:24:57,630 a $75 billion dollar cut to defense 607 00:24:57,630 --> 00:24:59,686 spending . I just want to ask you if 608 00:24:59,686 --> 00:25:01,908 that's something the prospect of such a 609 00:25:01,908 --> 00:25:03,963 cut is concerning and how that might 610 00:25:03,963 --> 00:25:06,241 affect your ability to support Ukraine . 611 00:25:06,770 --> 00:25:08,770 Well , thanks . Um I could tell you 612 00:25:08,770 --> 00:25:10,548 that we have enjoyed tremendous 613 00:25:10,548 --> 00:25:12,770 bipartisan support for Ukraine security 614 00:25:12,770 --> 00:25:15,600 assistance and um you know , while I I 615 00:25:15,600 --> 00:25:17,590 certainly would imagine that the 616 00:25:17,590 --> 00:25:19,757 details of that assistance will evolve 617 00:25:19,757 --> 00:25:22,880 over time , um I still would anticipate 618 00:25:22,890 --> 00:25:25,080 um you know , strong , strong support 619 00:25:25,080 --> 00:25:27,191 from the U . S . Congress , um and we 620 00:25:27,191 --> 00:25:29,080 will continue to partner with the 621 00:25:29,080 --> 00:25:31,302 Congress um and ensure that that we are 622 00:25:31,302 --> 00:25:34,460 working with them uh to uh you know , 623 00:25:34,460 --> 00:25:36,627 to address our national security needs 624 00:25:36,627 --> 00:25:39,250 to include um by protecting Ukraine 625 00:25:39,250 --> 00:25:42,550 sovereignty . Mike , could you assess 626 00:25:42,550 --> 00:25:44,820 the relationship on the battlefield 627 00:25:44,820 --> 00:25:46,660 between the Wagner group and the 628 00:25:46,660 --> 00:25:49,040 Russian mainline military , are they 629 00:25:49,040 --> 00:25:51,520 working together or they working across 630 00:25:51,520 --> 00:25:54,310 purposes ? Are they fighting each other 631 00:25:54,320 --> 00:25:56,542 rather than fighting Ukraine . I mean , 632 00:25:56,542 --> 00:25:58,709 I mean , there seems to be to military 633 00:25:58,709 --> 00:26:00,487 forces , you know , I mean , it 634 00:26:00,487 --> 00:26:03,030 violates unity of command and you know , 635 00:26:03,030 --> 00:26:05,086 bunches of other principles of war . 636 00:26:05,086 --> 00:26:07,450 How does the pentagon assess the 637 00:26:07,450 --> 00:26:09,540 relationship between them ? Well , I 638 00:26:09,540 --> 00:26:11,540 can say it certainly isn't um , you 639 00:26:11,540 --> 00:26:13,560 know , a traditional uh unit 640 00:26:13,560 --> 00:26:15,780 relationship like you would see with 641 00:26:15,790 --> 00:26:18,050 other units of the Russian military . 642 00:26:18,060 --> 00:26:20,240 Um , but at the same time , you know , 643 00:26:20,240 --> 00:26:21,907 Wagner is not this completely 644 00:26:21,907 --> 00:26:24,620 independent entity . It is certainly um 645 00:26:24,620 --> 00:26:28,290 operating as part of an overall Russian 646 00:26:28,290 --> 00:26:31,520 military invasion of Ukraine with the , 647 00:26:31,520 --> 00:26:33,760 you know , the support , cognizance and 648 00:26:33,760 --> 00:26:37,110 leadership of , you know , Russian , uh , 649 00:26:37,120 --> 00:26:38,990 Russian leader leader , Kremlin 650 00:26:38,990 --> 00:26:41,860 leadership , um and military leaders 651 00:26:41,880 --> 00:26:45,310 and you know , it is drawing on 652 00:26:45,320 --> 00:26:48,260 resources of the Russian state in a 653 00:26:48,260 --> 00:26:51,910 very novel way to include by 654 00:26:51,910 --> 00:26:54,770 drawing on , you know , convict and you 655 00:26:54,770 --> 00:26:56,826 know , sending them into battle , um 656 00:26:56,826 --> 00:26:58,714 killing , you know , hundreds and 657 00:26:58,714 --> 00:27:00,937 hundreds of of these individuals in the 658 00:27:00,937 --> 00:27:04,090 process . Um , so it is a symbiotic 659 00:27:04,090 --> 00:27:06,850 relationship and at times a coordinated 660 00:27:06,850 --> 00:27:10,690 relationship , I want to 661 00:27:10,690 --> 00:27:12,912 ask one more time about on this package 662 00:27:12,912 --> 00:27:14,968 because I was struck when I think it 663 00:27:14,968 --> 00:27:17,190 was this question very beginning , when 664 00:27:17,190 --> 00:27:19,412 you discover when you said that this is 665 00:27:19,412 --> 00:27:21,634 the right time for the Bradleys and I'm 666 00:27:21,634 --> 00:27:21,570 still just not clear . I mean , the 667 00:27:21,580 --> 00:27:23,524 thing that really stands out to me 668 00:27:23,524 --> 00:27:25,691 about this package is there's a lot of 669 00:27:25,691 --> 00:27:24,980 vehicles that are just basically people 670 00:27:24,980 --> 00:27:27,091 movers . I know the Bradleys have the 671 00:27:27,091 --> 00:27:29,424 toes , but like they also unlike a tank , 672 00:27:29,424 --> 00:27:31,647 can move people around and then you got 673 00:27:31,647 --> 00:27:33,591 like , You know , 200 vehicles for 674 00:27:33,591 --> 00:27:35,758 moving people . So why is it the right 675 00:27:35,758 --> 00:27:37,869 time ? What is the capability or what 676 00:27:37,869 --> 00:27:40,036 are you looking at that the Ukrainians 677 00:27:40,036 --> 00:27:42,147 are planning to do on the battlefield 678 00:27:42,147 --> 00:27:44,369 that that they need to be moving people 679 00:27:44,369 --> 00:27:46,536 around ? Okay , so again , when I talk 680 00:27:46,536 --> 00:27:48,424 about um you know , changing that 681 00:27:48,424 --> 00:27:50,647 dynamic on the battlefield and enabling 682 00:27:50,647 --> 00:27:52,424 the Ukrainian armed forces with 683 00:27:52,424 --> 00:27:54,536 additional capability , it is so that 684 00:27:54,536 --> 00:27:57,120 they can not just um you know , apply 685 00:27:57,120 --> 00:28:00,180 artillery to a given position but can 686 00:28:00,180 --> 00:28:02,780 also integrate with maneuver and 687 00:28:02,780 --> 00:28:05,910 actually be able to regain territory . 688 00:28:05,910 --> 00:28:08,220 And the Bradley Spa specifically has 689 00:28:08,220 --> 00:28:11,470 formidable anti armor capabilities that 690 00:28:11,470 --> 00:28:13,526 will work against , you know , every 691 00:28:13,526 --> 00:28:15,637 every kind of armored capability that 692 00:28:15,637 --> 00:28:18,470 Russia has fielded in Ukraine , but the , 693 00:28:18,480 --> 00:28:20,758 but the Ukrainians need more than that . 694 00:28:20,758 --> 00:28:22,813 Um , and that's why , you know , you 695 00:28:22,813 --> 00:28:25,540 see us surging other types of mobility 696 00:28:25,540 --> 00:28:27,930 capabilities . Um not just the United 697 00:28:27,930 --> 00:28:30,280 States again , but also Allies . 698 00:28:32,640 --> 00:28:34,807 Two different questions . First on the 699 00:28:34,807 --> 00:28:36,751 on the rim , seven's , what , what 700 00:28:36,751 --> 00:28:38,807 platform will the Ukrainians used to 701 00:28:38,807 --> 00:28:41,084 launch them ? Have you adapted them to , 702 00:28:41,084 --> 00:28:43,140 to work with S 300 or something like 703 00:28:43,140 --> 00:28:45,251 that ? And and how long did that take 704 00:28:45,251 --> 00:28:46,973 is that's not something you do 705 00:28:46,973 --> 00:28:48,751 overnight . And then the second 706 00:28:48,751 --> 00:28:48,120 question completely different . I was 707 00:28:48,120 --> 00:28:50,342 wondering if you could give an overview 708 00:28:50,342 --> 00:28:52,287 of what changes you've seen on the 709 00:28:52,287 --> 00:28:54,287 battlefield . Now that Russia's new 710 00:28:54,287 --> 00:28:56,509 theater commander has been in for for a 711 00:28:56,509 --> 00:28:56,100 couple of months at this point . 712 00:28:56,100 --> 00:28:59,870 General Sarah . Okay , so on the first 713 00:28:59,870 --> 00:29:01,870 one , the room seven will integrate 714 00:29:01,870 --> 00:29:04,160 with the book system . Um so this is a 715 00:29:04,160 --> 00:29:06,382 Soviet type system , but the S- 300 you 716 00:29:06,382 --> 00:29:08,438 mentioned , that's strategic range , 717 00:29:08,438 --> 00:29:10,438 whereas the book is a shorter range 718 00:29:10,438 --> 00:29:12,680 system . Um and uh you know , it is a 719 00:29:12,680 --> 00:29:14,902 creative solution that did require some 720 00:29:14,902 --> 00:29:18,730 engineering finesse . Um but but we're 721 00:29:18,730 --> 00:29:20,897 very pleased that it will work for the 722 00:29:20,897 --> 00:29:23,174 Ukrainians . Um in terms of , you know , 723 00:29:23,174 --> 00:29:25,820 changes since uh you know , Sarah Bacon 724 00:29:25,830 --> 00:29:28,350 took , took command . Um you know , 725 00:29:28,350 --> 00:29:30,572 there's , you know , there's been a lot 726 00:29:30,572 --> 00:29:32,628 of , you know , a lot of dynamics on 727 00:29:32,628 --> 00:29:34,683 the battlefield and it's it might be 728 00:29:34,683 --> 00:29:37,070 hard to attribute them to , to serve 729 00:29:37,070 --> 00:29:39,990 Chicken himself . Um but I would say 730 00:29:39,990 --> 00:29:42,101 that , you know , the one of the more 731 00:29:42,101 --> 00:29:44,212 notable developments of course before 732 00:29:44,212 --> 00:29:46,930 the holidays was um the return of her 733 00:29:46,930 --> 00:29:50,800 son to to Ukrainian control . Um and 734 00:29:50,800 --> 00:29:53,020 that was withdrawal of Russian forces 735 00:29:53,400 --> 00:29:56,360 that occurred . Um and more recently 736 00:29:56,360 --> 00:29:59,550 it's that surge with Mahmoud in Mahmoud 737 00:29:59,560 --> 00:30:02,630 of Wagner forces . So , um in the 738 00:30:02,630 --> 00:30:05,610 recent past we've seen that Wagner is 739 00:30:05,620 --> 00:30:08,640 advancing at a more rapid clip than , 740 00:30:08,650 --> 00:30:10,530 you know , any other unit in the 741 00:30:10,530 --> 00:30:11,586 Russian military . 742 00:30:14,210 --> 00:30:16,321 Thank you , Ma'am for doing this . Um 743 00:30:16,321 --> 00:30:19,540 so obviously the price tag of this 744 00:30:19,540 --> 00:30:22,670 security is getting bigger with each 745 00:30:22,680 --> 00:30:25,130 package . And also the debate here in 746 00:30:25,130 --> 00:30:28,430 Washington about how until when this 747 00:30:28,440 --> 00:30:30,940 assistance will continue is growing . 748 00:30:30,950 --> 00:30:33,720 Also , if you can talk a little bit 749 00:30:33,730 --> 00:30:36,960 more about the strategic gain the 750 00:30:36,960 --> 00:30:40,060 United States is obtaining from this 751 00:30:40,060 --> 00:30:42,620 war . And if it's worth the cost , 752 00:30:43,110 --> 00:30:45,332 thank you . Um , I would say that , you 753 00:30:45,332 --> 00:30:47,330 know , from a overall strategic 754 00:30:47,340 --> 00:30:50,920 perspective , it is hard to 755 00:30:50,930 --> 00:30:54,180 um , to emphasize enough the 756 00:30:54,190 --> 00:30:57,120 devastating consequences if Putin were 757 00:30:57,120 --> 00:30:59,530 to be successful in achieving his 758 00:30:59,530 --> 00:31:02,390 objective of taking over Ukraine . Um , 759 00:31:02,400 --> 00:31:04,380 this would rewrite international 760 00:31:04,380 --> 00:31:06,450 boundaries in a way that we have not 761 00:31:06,450 --> 00:31:10,240 seen since World War Two and our our 762 00:31:10,240 --> 00:31:13,600 ability to reverse these gains and to 763 00:31:13,610 --> 00:31:17,390 support and stand by the sovereignty 764 00:31:17,400 --> 00:31:19,890 of a new , It's something that 765 00:31:19,890 --> 00:31:22,390 resonates not just in europe but all 766 00:31:22,390 --> 00:31:24,730 around the world because no one wants 767 00:31:24,730 --> 00:31:27,680 to send a signal to another bully 768 00:31:27,690 --> 00:31:29,690 around the world that they can take 769 00:31:29,690 --> 00:31:32,410 over their neighboring country without 770 00:31:32,410 --> 00:31:35,460 paying a steep , steep price . Okay , 771 00:31:35,580 --> 00:31:38,760 let's go to the sea sparrows . You put 772 00:31:38,760 --> 00:31:40,371 them on the books . That's a 773 00:31:40,371 --> 00:31:43,230 proliferated system . That's a ground 774 00:31:43,240 --> 00:31:45,890 ground to air capability . Now , is 775 00:31:45,890 --> 00:31:48,800 that gonna have a severe impact on 776 00:31:48,810 --> 00:31:51,870 Russian drones , cruise missiles or is 777 00:31:51,870 --> 00:31:53,926 it gonna be a little bit of trimming 778 00:31:53,926 --> 00:31:56,259 around the edges . That's the first one . 779 00:31:56,259 --> 00:31:58,426 And then the second is should we think 780 00:31:58,426 --> 00:32:00,370 of these 50 Bradley's as the first 781 00:32:00,370 --> 00:32:02,592 trench . Okay , so on the this question 782 00:32:02,592 --> 00:32:04,770 of the book system with air defense , 783 00:32:04,770 --> 00:32:06,980 you can never consider one system in 784 00:32:06,980 --> 00:32:10,520 isolation . It's all about the , the 785 00:32:10,520 --> 00:32:12,470 layered air defense with multiple 786 00:32:12,470 --> 00:32:15,460 systems with different ranges applied 787 00:32:15,460 --> 00:32:18,490 over broad geographic territory 788 00:32:18,490 --> 00:32:21,350 protecting key nodes . So , you know , 789 00:32:21,350 --> 00:32:23,850 book is an important system at the , 790 00:32:23,850 --> 00:32:25,850 you know , for short range and the 791 00:32:25,850 --> 00:32:27,810 Ukrainians , I I'm sure will be 792 00:32:27,810 --> 00:32:30,860 masterful at employing this new missile 793 00:32:30,860 --> 00:32:32,749 on this system that they are very 794 00:32:32,749 --> 00:32:34,650 familiar with . But it's only in 795 00:32:34,650 --> 00:32:37,000 concert with these other capabilities 796 00:32:37,050 --> 00:32:39,600 that the Ukrainians can continue to 797 00:32:39,600 --> 00:32:42,960 successfully um shoot down this 798 00:32:42,960 --> 00:32:45,440 withering attack of , you know , by 799 00:32:45,440 --> 00:32:48,040 cruise missiles and you know , Iranian 800 00:32:48,040 --> 00:32:51,340 purchased drones , um , and other other 801 00:32:51,350 --> 00:32:53,960 threats from , from the air . And I 802 00:32:53,960 --> 00:32:57,240 forget the other question , we're 803 00:32:57,240 --> 00:32:59,351 always , we're always looking at what 804 00:32:59,351 --> 00:33:01,518 comes next . So I'm not gonna say that 805 00:33:01,518 --> 00:33:03,462 this is the end , but I'm also not 806 00:33:03,462 --> 00:33:05,629 going to say that it's the start . I'd 807 00:33:05,629 --> 00:33:07,740 go back to the allied piece . And you 808 00:33:07,740 --> 00:33:09,907 know , to preview for you , we do have 809 00:33:09,907 --> 00:33:12,018 later this month , another one of our 810 00:33:12,018 --> 00:33:14,184 Ukraine Defense Contact group meetings 811 00:33:14,184 --> 00:33:16,073 where Secretary Austin gathers 50 812 00:33:16,073 --> 00:33:18,296 defense ministers and they consult with 813 00:33:18,296 --> 00:33:20,462 the Ukrainian leadership with Minister 814 00:33:20,462 --> 00:33:22,684 of Defense Reznikoff and his team about 815 00:33:22,684 --> 00:33:24,851 Ukraine's needs . Well , the fact that 816 00:33:24,851 --> 00:33:27,073 we're , you know , we're already seeing 817 00:33:27,073 --> 00:33:27,000 these , you know , these very major 818 00:33:27,000 --> 00:33:28,833 contributions being announced by 819 00:33:28,833 --> 00:33:31,056 Germany , the patriot and the martyr by 820 00:33:31,056 --> 00:33:33,180 the french and others . We would 821 00:33:33,180 --> 00:33:35,460 certainly expect to continue to see 822 00:33:35,470 --> 00:33:37,770 additional announcements either in the 823 00:33:37,770 --> 00:33:40,780 lead up or um , as in conjunction with 824 00:33:40,780 --> 00:33:42,947 the Ukraine Defense contact group . So 825 00:33:42,947 --> 00:33:44,836 again I wouldn't just look at the 826 00:33:44,836 --> 00:33:46,891 United States for these capabilities 827 00:33:46,891 --> 00:33:48,780 but look at the broader picture , 828 00:33:48,780 --> 00:33:51,970 there's 11 countries that have 11 829 00:33:51,970 --> 00:33:54,060 countries have sea sparrows . Do you 830 00:33:54,060 --> 00:33:56,116 expect some other countries to start 831 00:33:56,116 --> 00:33:58,338 donating from their magazines as well ? 832 00:33:58,338 --> 00:34:00,504 You know I don't have any any specific 833 00:34:00,504 --> 00:34:02,227 information on that particular 834 00:34:02,227 --> 00:34:04,393 capability . Although I do have a very 835 00:34:04,393 --> 00:34:04,240 long list of capabilities that allies 836 00:34:04,240 --> 00:34:06,351 have . But off the top of my head I'm 837 00:34:06,351 --> 00:34:08,518 not sure . Let's go to Howard Altman . 838 00:34:08,518 --> 00:34:10,740 Well the last two questions here in the 839 00:34:10,740 --> 00:34:12,740 room I appreciate . Can you tell me 840 00:34:12,740 --> 00:34:14,629 which version of the Bradley that 841 00:34:14,629 --> 00:34:16,740 Ukraine will be getting and then talk 842 00:34:16,740 --> 00:34:18,796 about provisions for spare parts for 843 00:34:18,796 --> 00:34:21,460 that ? Thanks . I think I just heard 844 00:34:21,460 --> 00:34:23,627 with the version of the Bradley , it's 845 00:34:23,627 --> 00:34:25,750 the M two A two Bradley . And I think 846 00:34:25,750 --> 00:34:27,750 you said spare parts and yes we are 847 00:34:27,750 --> 00:34:31,100 providing spare parts again . Um and uh 848 00:34:31,110 --> 00:34:34,540 you know support for maintenance 849 00:34:35,140 --> 00:34:38,880 on the zuni rockets . Um can you 850 00:34:38,890 --> 00:34:42,260 detail that uh capability a little bit 851 00:34:42,260 --> 00:34:44,790 more and along with the recent J . T . 852 00:34:44,790 --> 00:34:48,450 M . Provisions ? Um There seems to be a 853 00:34:48,460 --> 00:34:51,920 shift um to provide Ukraine with 854 00:34:51,920 --> 00:34:55,660 some air strike capabilities . Um 855 00:34:55,670 --> 00:34:58,140 So so why is that was that decision 856 00:34:58,140 --> 00:35:00,920 made now to give these uh rockets and 857 00:35:00,920 --> 00:35:03,910 these guided munitions ? Um and what 858 00:35:04,190 --> 00:35:06,840 can that can they do with these zuni 859 00:35:06,840 --> 00:35:10,330 rockets . Um So in terms of providing 860 00:35:10,330 --> 00:35:12,219 Ukraine with capability for their 861 00:35:12,219 --> 00:35:14,163 aircraft , it's actually something 862 00:35:14,163 --> 00:35:16,441 we've been working on for a while . Um , 863 00:35:16,441 --> 00:35:18,552 uh , several months ago , we provided 864 00:35:18,552 --> 00:35:20,552 them with harm missiles and they've 865 00:35:20,552 --> 00:35:23,180 been using them really to great effect 866 00:35:23,180 --> 00:35:25,180 from their migs . So this is really 867 00:35:25,180 --> 00:35:29,180 just the latest in in efforts to help 868 00:35:29,180 --> 00:35:31,236 them to make their existing aircraft 869 00:35:31,236 --> 00:35:34,030 fleet as effective as possible . Um , 870 00:35:34,030 --> 00:35:35,863 and you know , the zuni aircraft 871 00:35:35,870 --> 00:35:39,290 rockets were providing 4000 of them 872 00:35:39,300 --> 00:35:42,080 and they can be , they can be mounted 873 00:35:42,080 --> 00:35:45,160 on fixed , fixed or rotary wing 874 00:35:45,160 --> 00:35:47,382 aircraft . Um , and again , it's air to 875 00:35:47,382 --> 00:35:49,716 ground , but it's at fairly close range . 876 00:35:49,716 --> 00:35:51,938 These are not long range capabilities . 877 00:35:51,938 --> 00:35:54,960 How just is , how hard is that a 878 00:35:54,970 --> 00:35:58,550 modification to make to mount again ? 879 00:35:58,560 --> 00:36:01,280 Again , I think I I trust our engineers 880 00:36:01,280 --> 00:36:03,370 and I definitely trust the Ukrainian 881 00:36:03,370 --> 00:36:05,610 engineers . So they have done this 882 00:36:05,620 --> 00:36:08,560 successfully and um , you know , it is 883 00:36:08,560 --> 00:36:10,870 something that that is possible . Okay , 884 00:36:10,980 --> 00:36:12,980 awesome . And then final question , 885 00:36:16,150 --> 00:36:18,450 there's technically we are in the 886 00:36:18,460 --> 00:36:20,238 ceasefire window , the fighting 887 00:36:20,238 --> 00:36:22,710 continues . Can you confirm that it's 888 00:36:22,710 --> 00:36:25,760 Russians have violated the Putin's 889 00:36:25,760 --> 00:36:27,871 unilateral declaration of ceasefire ? 890 00:36:29,100 --> 00:36:31,156 That's one question , I have another 891 00:36:31,156 --> 00:36:33,420 separate question , I can confirm that 892 00:36:33,420 --> 00:36:36,240 there is fighting and of course it's , 893 00:36:36,250 --> 00:36:39,330 you know , Russians on the ground 894 00:36:39,340 --> 00:36:42,430 fighting . So , yes . And the other 895 00:36:42,430 --> 00:36:44,430 question about Patriots , could you 896 00:36:44,430 --> 00:36:46,652 update us please on the Patriots , when 897 00:36:46,652 --> 00:36:48,874 the training is going to start and when 898 00:36:48,874 --> 00:36:50,986 will we see the Patriots being killed 899 00:36:50,986 --> 00:36:53,208 in UK ? Yes , so we will start training 900 00:36:53,208 --> 00:36:55,580 for Patriot later this month . Um , but 901 00:36:55,580 --> 00:36:57,747 I'm not going to be able to give you a 902 00:36:57,747 --> 00:36:59,913 specific time frame for the completion 903 00:36:59,913 --> 00:37:01,858 of training . It will take several 904 00:37:01,858 --> 00:37:04,080 months . Um , so again , Patriot is not 905 00:37:04,080 --> 00:37:06,191 an immediate term capability , but we 906 00:37:06,191 --> 00:37:08,247 will start that training very soon . 907 00:37:08,247 --> 00:37:10,302 Okay , final question . Thank you so 908 00:37:10,302 --> 00:37:12,302 much . A quick follow up . When you 909 00:37:12,302 --> 00:37:13,913 started , you mentioned tele 910 00:37:13,913 --> 00:37:16,080 maintenance of these new systems being 911 00:37:16,080 --> 00:37:18,247 sent over . Can you elaborate a little 912 00:37:18,247 --> 00:37:18,140 bit on that and the digital 913 00:37:18,140 --> 00:37:20,440 capabilities that go with that and then 914 00:37:20,440 --> 00:37:23,300 separately broadly ? Um thinking about 915 00:37:23,300 --> 00:37:25,300 the hundreds of millions in foreign 916 00:37:25,300 --> 00:37:27,244 military financing . What types of 917 00:37:27,244 --> 00:37:29,133 systems are you guys anticipating 918 00:37:29,133 --> 00:37:31,410 allies to be using that funding on ? 919 00:37:31,900 --> 00:37:34,260 Okay , thank you . So , um , the fmf 920 00:37:34,260 --> 00:37:36,316 that I mentioned is just the fmf for 921 00:37:36,316 --> 00:37:38,260 Ukraine . Um , so for Ukraine , we 922 00:37:38,260 --> 00:37:39,982 haven't specified exactly what 923 00:37:39,982 --> 00:37:43,170 capabilities will be um purchased via 924 00:37:43,180 --> 00:37:46,620 this , this particular fmf tranche . Um , 925 00:37:46,630 --> 00:37:49,810 but fmf is a longer term funding source . 926 00:37:49,820 --> 00:37:52,042 So it will it will not be these kind of 927 00:37:52,042 --> 00:37:54,550 immediate battlefield needs that we're 928 00:37:54,550 --> 00:37:56,800 tending to with a drawdown package that 929 00:37:56,800 --> 00:37:58,800 we're discussing today . Can you 930 00:37:58,800 --> 00:38:01,022 elaborate on the types of systems maybe 931 00:38:01,022 --> 00:38:03,190 that you're anticipating ? I'll just 932 00:38:03,200 --> 00:38:05,256 I'll just reiterate kind of what are 933 00:38:05,256 --> 00:38:07,422 the top priorities for Ukraine and the 934 00:38:07,422 --> 00:38:09,311 top priority capability needs for 935 00:38:09,311 --> 00:38:11,367 Ukraine . Um and certainly this will 936 00:38:11,367 --> 00:38:14,460 evolve over time , but but probably not 937 00:38:14,460 --> 00:38:17,110 for a while . Air defense is a top 938 00:38:17,110 --> 00:38:19,332 priority . So we'll still be looking at 939 00:38:19,332 --> 00:38:21,554 air defense investments and so will the 940 00:38:21,554 --> 00:38:24,320 allies , um , artillery , so artillery 941 00:38:24,320 --> 00:38:26,720 and long range fires . Um , This is 942 00:38:26,720 --> 00:38:28,942 where our time our system has been so , 943 00:38:28,942 --> 00:38:31,109 so fantastic . But there's a number of 944 00:38:31,109 --> 00:38:33,220 ways that Allies and the US supported 945 00:38:33,220 --> 00:38:35,590 Ukraine with artillery needs . And then 946 00:38:35,590 --> 00:38:37,534 today I talked a lot about armor , 947 00:38:37,534 --> 00:38:40,420 which is that third piece . Um , there 948 00:38:40,420 --> 00:38:42,587 are there are other capability needs , 949 00:38:42,587 --> 00:38:44,809 but those are the top three and on tele 950 00:38:44,809 --> 00:38:46,976 maintenance . I think I can't get into 951 00:38:46,976 --> 00:38:49,198 kind of the technical detail of exactly 952 00:38:49,198 --> 00:38:51,253 which systems we're using . Um , but 953 00:38:51,253 --> 00:38:53,531 it's exactly what it sounds like where , 954 00:38:53,531 --> 00:38:55,531 you know , Ukrainian operators were 955 00:38:55,531 --> 00:38:57,587 ever , they are in Ukraine . If they 956 00:38:57,587 --> 00:38:59,809 need assistance with repair work , they 957 00:38:59,809 --> 00:39:01,753 don't necessarily have to take the 958 00:39:01,753 --> 00:39:04,087 equipment out . Um , and get , you know , 959 00:39:04,087 --> 00:39:06,198 a Western manufacturer to help them . 960 00:39:06,198 --> 00:39:08,198 They can actually just dial up this 961 00:39:08,198 --> 00:39:10,640 capability and get advice . Um , and 962 00:39:10,640 --> 00:39:13,310 have , you know , experienced personnel 963 00:39:13,320 --> 00:39:15,510 walk them through the steps so that 964 00:39:15,510 --> 00:39:17,510 they can get it right back into the 965 00:39:17,510 --> 00:39:19,510 battlefield . Thank you very much . 966 00:39:19,510 --> 00:39:20,120 Everybody have a great weekend