1 00:00:00,180 --> 00:00:02,402 Good afternoon . Ladies and gentlemen , 2 00:00:02,402 --> 00:00:04,569 thank you for being here today . It is 3 00:00:04,569 --> 00:00:06,680 my pleasure to introduce Secretary of 4 00:00:06,680 --> 00:00:08,736 Defense Lloyd Austin and chairman of 5 00:00:08,736 --> 00:00:10,902 the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark 6 00:00:10,902 --> 00:00:13,124 Milley , the secretary and the chairman 7 00:00:13,124 --> 00:00:15,236 will deliver opening remarks and then 8 00:00:15,236 --> 00:00:17,180 we'll have some time to take a few 9 00:00:17,180 --> 00:00:19,180 questions . Please note that I will 10 00:00:19,180 --> 00:00:21,236 moderate those questions and call on 11 00:00:21,236 --> 00:00:23,458 journalists due to time constraints . I 12 00:00:23,458 --> 00:00:23,420 would ask those I call on to limit 13 00:00:23,430 --> 00:00:25,597 their follow up questions to give your 14 00:00:25,597 --> 00:00:27,430 colleagues a chance to ask their 15 00:00:27,430 --> 00:00:29,097 questions . I appreciate your 16 00:00:29,097 --> 00:00:30,930 assistance with this , with that 17 00:00:30,930 --> 00:00:34,610 Secretary Austin . Uh Thanks uh Patrick 18 00:00:36,040 --> 00:00:37,984 and good afternoon , everyone . Uh 19 00:00:37,984 --> 00:00:41,409 Nearly one year ago , I first 20 00:00:41,419 --> 00:00:43,470 convened what became the Ukraine 21 00:00:43,479 --> 00:00:46,380 Defense contact group right here at 22 00:00:46,599 --> 00:00:49,939 Ramstein . Our goal was to improve the 23 00:00:49,950 --> 00:00:52,172 coordination of our support for Ukraine 24 00:00:53,040 --> 00:00:55,810 as it fought back against Russia's 25 00:00:55,819 --> 00:00:58,689 reckless and lawless invasion . 26 00:01:00,180 --> 00:01:02,402 Over the past year , this contact group 27 00:01:02,402 --> 00:01:05,400 has become an extraordinary community 28 00:01:05,410 --> 00:01:08,480 of action and together we have rallied 29 00:01:08,489 --> 00:01:10,860 to defend the principles of democracy 30 00:01:11,669 --> 00:01:14,400 and freedom and sovereignty . 31 00:01:15,699 --> 00:01:17,755 So we're all back here at Ramstein a 32 00:01:17,755 --> 00:01:21,480 year later to build on that impressive 33 00:01:21,489 --> 00:01:25,459 progress over the past year the members 34 00:01:25,470 --> 00:01:28,290 of this contact group have provided 35 00:01:28,300 --> 00:01:31,830 tremendous capability to Ukraine right 36 00:01:31,839 --> 00:01:35,449 after Russia invaded , we surged in 37 00:01:35,459 --> 00:01:38,949 javelins and stingers and then we 38 00:01:38,959 --> 00:01:41,129 provided Ukraine's defenders with 39 00:01:41,360 --> 00:01:45,150 howitzers and high Mars 40 00:01:46,400 --> 00:01:49,970 and other artillery . And we continue 41 00:01:49,980 --> 00:01:51,980 to rush in ground based air defense 42 00:01:51,980 --> 00:01:53,924 capabilities and munitions to help 43 00:01:53,924 --> 00:01:57,730 Ukraine control its sovereign skies and 44 00:01:57,739 --> 00:01:59,750 to help Ukraine defend its citizens 45 00:01:59,760 --> 00:02:03,440 from Russian cruise missiles . And 46 00:02:03,449 --> 00:02:06,849 Iranian drones , our 47 00:02:06,860 --> 00:02:08,880 collective efforts have made a huge 48 00:02:08,889 --> 00:02:12,350 difference on the battlefield . And now 49 00:02:12,360 --> 00:02:14,193 in just a few short months , the 50 00:02:14,193 --> 00:02:17,000 contact group has delivered more than 51 00:02:17,009 --> 00:02:20,389 230 tanks , more than 52 00:02:20,399 --> 00:02:23,889 1550 armored vehicles and other 53 00:02:23,899 --> 00:02:27,160 equipment and munitions to support more 54 00:02:27,169 --> 00:02:29,789 than nine new armored brigades . 55 00:02:31,009 --> 00:02:33,369 We've also expedited our M One Abrams 56 00:02:33,380 --> 00:02:37,110 timelines to supply Ukraine with more 57 00:02:37,119 --> 00:02:39,452 armored capability in the coming months . 58 00:02:40,389 --> 00:02:42,500 And the ones that the Ukrainians will 59 00:02:42,500 --> 00:02:45,119 use for training will arrive here in 60 00:02:45,130 --> 00:02:48,889 Germany in the next few weeks . In all 61 00:02:48,899 --> 00:02:51,529 of this is huge progress 62 00:02:52,820 --> 00:02:54,990 and I am confident that this equipment 63 00:02:55,720 --> 00:02:58,649 and the training that accompanied it , 64 00:02:58,660 --> 00:03:02,119 it will put Ukraine's forces in a 65 00:03:02,130 --> 00:03:04,509 position to continue to succeed on the 66 00:03:04,520 --> 00:03:08,119 battlefield . Ukraine's forces 67 00:03:08,130 --> 00:03:12,039 have formidable capability and courage 68 00:03:12,839 --> 00:03:16,339 as we've seen throughout and all this 69 00:03:16,350 --> 00:03:18,461 progress will rest on the coordinated 70 00:03:18,461 --> 00:03:20,750 work of some 50 nations of goodwill 71 00:03:21,729 --> 00:03:24,470 that have gathered again today . 72 00:03:27,050 --> 00:03:30,460 Now let me say just a few words about 73 00:03:30,470 --> 00:03:34,039 the reports of unauthorized disclosure 74 00:03:34,050 --> 00:03:36,580 of sensitive and classified us material . 75 00:03:37,960 --> 00:03:40,649 I take this matter extremely seriously 76 00:03:42,059 --> 00:03:44,115 and we will continue to work closely 77 00:03:44,115 --> 00:03:46,259 with our deeply valued allies and 78 00:03:46,270 --> 00:03:49,279 partners in a spirit of abiding 79 00:03:49,289 --> 00:03:52,949 respect and friendship . As I've 80 00:03:52,960 --> 00:03:55,016 discussed this issue with our allies 81 00:03:55,016 --> 00:03:57,550 and partners , I've been struck by 82 00:03:57,559 --> 00:04:00,820 their solidarity and their commitment 83 00:04:01,589 --> 00:04:05,410 to reject efforts to divide us . So 84 00:04:05,419 --> 00:04:08,339 nothing will fracture our unity or 85 00:04:08,350 --> 00:04:12,029 reduce our determination . Now , I'm 86 00:04:12,039 --> 00:04:14,479 grateful to my good friend Alexi 87 00:04:14,740 --> 00:04:17,630 Reznikoff for joining us at Ramstein 88 00:04:18,600 --> 00:04:21,709 and he once again gave us all a first 89 00:04:21,720 --> 00:04:23,609 hand account of the battlefield 90 00:04:23,619 --> 00:04:26,869 dynamics , highlighting Ukraine's most 91 00:04:26,880 --> 00:04:29,260 urgent needs in the critical months 92 00:04:29,269 --> 00:04:32,359 ahead . We also heard from my 93 00:04:32,369 --> 00:04:34,769 colleagues in the US European command 94 00:04:35,730 --> 00:04:37,500 about the progress on building 95 00:04:37,510 --> 00:04:39,779 Ukraine's combat power as Ukraine 96 00:04:39,790 --> 00:04:42,559 prepares to push back the lines of 97 00:04:42,570 --> 00:04:46,339 Russian invaders and we 98 00:04:46,350 --> 00:04:48,350 talked about key enablers that will 99 00:04:48,350 --> 00:04:51,410 help Ukraine repel Russian forces such 100 00:04:51,420 --> 00:04:54,019 as heavy equipment and transport 101 00:04:54,029 --> 00:04:57,299 vehicles and refuelers and mine rollers . 102 00:04:58,670 --> 00:05:00,850 And I'd like to thank those here who 103 00:05:00,859 --> 00:05:03,670 announced donations of these important 104 00:05:03,679 --> 00:05:05,750 systems including Germany and the 105 00:05:05,760 --> 00:05:09,410 Netherlands . We also discuss ways to 106 00:05:09,420 --> 00:05:12,140 intensify our sustainment and 107 00:05:12,149 --> 00:05:15,869 industrial based initiatives . Now 108 00:05:15,880 --> 00:05:17,880 Russia has continued its assault on 109 00:05:17,880 --> 00:05:20,109 civilian targets in Ukraine , including 110 00:05:20,420 --> 00:05:22,660 schools and theaters and apartment 111 00:05:22,670 --> 00:05:26,510 buildings , those targets 112 00:05:26,519 --> 00:05:29,510 have absolutely no military value 113 00:05:29,519 --> 00:05:33,089 whatsoever . So we're helping Ukraine 114 00:05:33,100 --> 00:05:35,850 defend its citizens and its skies 115 00:05:35,859 --> 00:05:38,489 against Russian missiles and Iranian 116 00:05:38,500 --> 00:05:42,359 drones , many contact group members 117 00:05:42,369 --> 00:05:44,425 have stepped up with new air defense 118 00:05:44,425 --> 00:05:46,559 systems and critically needed 119 00:05:46,570 --> 00:05:50,390 ammunition for those systems and we're 120 00:05:50,399 --> 00:05:52,232 going to stay focused on the key 121 00:05:52,232 --> 00:05:54,343 capabilities that Ukraine needs right 122 00:05:54,343 --> 00:05:56,989 now , as well as in the medium term . 123 00:05:58,619 --> 00:06:00,563 Now , we also heard today from the 124 00:06:00,563 --> 00:06:03,760 European Union on its proposal to speed 125 00:06:03,769 --> 00:06:06,470 up the production and delivery of 126 00:06:06,480 --> 00:06:09,950 ammunition for Ukraine . And more 127 00:06:09,959 --> 00:06:12,070 countries are thinking about how they 128 00:06:12,070 --> 00:06:14,369 can increase industrial production , 129 00:06:14,649 --> 00:06:17,179 not just for the near term , but also 130 00:06:17,190 --> 00:06:19,412 for the medium term and the long term . 131 00:06:20,660 --> 00:06:24,019 And that is a powerful reminder that we 132 00:06:24,029 --> 00:06:26,850 stand with Ukraine's defenders for the 133 00:06:26,859 --> 00:06:30,709 long haul . You know , Putin 134 00:06:30,720 --> 00:06:34,010 made a series of grave miscalculations 135 00:06:35,440 --> 00:06:37,730 when he ordered the invasion of Ukraine 136 00:06:38,019 --> 00:06:41,559 more than a year ago . He thought that 137 00:06:41,570 --> 00:06:43,681 Ukraine wouldn't dare to fight back , 138 00:06:45,049 --> 00:06:47,510 but Ukraine is standing strong with the 139 00:06:47,519 --> 00:06:50,869 help of its partners . Putin thought 140 00:06:50,880 --> 00:06:54,260 that our unity would fracture . But 141 00:06:54,269 --> 00:06:57,410 Russia's cruel war of choice has only 142 00:06:57,420 --> 00:07:00,660 brought us closer together . And I note 143 00:07:00,670 --> 00:07:04,109 that Finland which has long taken part 144 00:07:04,119 --> 00:07:07,000 in this contact group is here today as 145 00:07:07,010 --> 00:07:10,429 a new NATO ally . I 146 00:07:10,440 --> 00:07:12,700 expect that Sweden will soon follow 147 00:07:14,329 --> 00:07:17,059 and that makes something crystal clear . 148 00:07:19,049 --> 00:07:21,271 Putin's war of choice is not the result 149 00:07:21,271 --> 00:07:25,190 of NATO enlargement . Putin's war 150 00:07:25,459 --> 00:07:28,380 is the cause of nato's enlargement . 151 00:07:30,130 --> 00:07:32,241 You know , when I first convened this 152 00:07:32,241 --> 00:07:34,480 contact group , I saw nations of 153 00:07:34,489 --> 00:07:36,322 goodwill that were eager to help 154 00:07:36,322 --> 00:07:39,910 Ukraine resist Russia's imperial 155 00:07:39,920 --> 00:07:43,429 aggression . I saw a coalition that 156 00:07:43,440 --> 00:07:47,290 stood united and firm . I saw 157 00:07:47,299 --> 00:07:49,890 countries determined to stand up for an 158 00:07:49,899 --> 00:07:53,829 open and secure world of rights and 159 00:07:53,839 --> 00:07:57,839 rules and all of that was 160 00:07:57,850 --> 00:08:01,250 just as true at Ramstein today 161 00:08:02,000 --> 00:08:05,480 as it was a year ago , the 162 00:08:05,820 --> 00:08:08,799 Ukrainians are still standing strong in 163 00:08:08,809 --> 00:08:11,390 their fight for their freedom and they 164 00:08:11,399 --> 00:08:14,209 have the courage and the capability for 165 00:08:14,220 --> 00:08:17,019 the road ahead and we will have their 166 00:08:17,029 --> 00:08:20,329 backs for as long as it takes . 167 00:08:21,029 --> 00:08:23,251 And so with that , I'll turn it over to 168 00:08:23,251 --> 00:08:25,880 the chairman . Thank you . And I want 169 00:08:25,890 --> 00:08:28,970 to start off by thanking Secretary 170 00:08:28,980 --> 00:08:31,202 Austin for his leadership over the past 171 00:08:31,202 --> 00:08:34,309 year in this 11th Ukrainian defense 172 00:08:34,320 --> 00:08:36,789 contact group , which has resulted in 173 00:08:36,799 --> 00:08:39,349 enormous support to Ukraine , not only 174 00:08:39,359 --> 00:08:41,303 from the countries of Europe , but 175 00:08:41,303 --> 00:08:43,526 really from the globe . And it wouldn't 176 00:08:43,526 --> 00:08:45,748 be happening without Secretary Austin's 177 00:08:45,748 --> 00:08:47,859 leadership . So thank you , sir . And 178 00:08:47,859 --> 00:08:50,081 thanks also to the Ministers and Chiefs 179 00:08:50,081 --> 00:08:52,248 of Defense from over 50 countries that 180 00:08:52,248 --> 00:08:54,303 attended today and have consistently 181 00:08:54,303 --> 00:08:56,192 attended now for a year and their 182 00:08:56,192 --> 00:08:58,303 participation and support is critical 183 00:08:58,303 --> 00:09:00,248 to the capability of the Ukrainian 184 00:09:00,248 --> 00:09:02,359 military to defend itself . It's been 185 00:09:02,359 --> 00:09:04,415 nearly a year since Secretary Austin 186 00:09:04,415 --> 00:09:06,581 began this contact group right here at 187 00:09:06,581 --> 00:09:08,900 Ramstein and this forum has been vital 188 00:09:09,030 --> 00:09:10,919 to coordinate and synchronize the 189 00:09:10,919 --> 00:09:12,840 support , continued international 190 00:09:12,849 --> 00:09:15,849 support to Ukraine . I also want to 191 00:09:15,859 --> 00:09:17,859 thank Ukrainian Minister of Defense 192 00:09:17,859 --> 00:09:21,349 Reznikoff and my colleague and partner 193 00:09:21,359 --> 00:09:23,650 Chief of Defense General Zuni , whom 194 00:09:23,659 --> 00:09:25,659 I've had a chance to contact in the 195 00:09:25,659 --> 00:09:27,103 last week or so . And his 196 00:09:27,103 --> 00:09:29,460 representative here , General mou for 197 00:09:29,469 --> 00:09:32,179 their continued leadership . I also 198 00:09:32,190 --> 00:09:34,412 congratulate Finland on their accession 199 00:09:34,412 --> 00:09:37,090 into NATO . This historic event marks a 200 00:09:37,099 --> 00:09:39,309 deepening of the NATO alliance and 201 00:09:39,320 --> 00:09:41,431 reaffirms to the world , the strength 202 00:09:41,431 --> 00:09:43,598 of this relationship . But this is not 203 00:09:43,598 --> 00:09:45,669 just about the United States and 204 00:09:45,679 --> 00:09:47,679 European security NATO . And this 205 00:09:47,690 --> 00:09:49,412 contact group helped to uphold 206 00:09:49,412 --> 00:09:51,301 something bigger than that . They 207 00:09:51,301 --> 00:09:53,412 uphold the global international order 208 00:09:53,412 --> 00:09:55,634 where all nations can live in peace and 209 00:09:55,634 --> 00:09:58,159 can prosper a world that respects 210 00:09:58,169 --> 00:10:00,390 sovereignty and the rule of law , a 211 00:10:00,400 --> 00:10:03,059 world that counters unbridled military 212 00:10:03,070 --> 00:10:06,309 aggression . 421 days ago , 213 00:10:06,890 --> 00:10:08,946 Putin thought he could overthrow the 214 00:10:08,946 --> 00:10:11,168 Ukrainian government , thought he could 215 00:10:11,168 --> 00:10:13,210 fracture NATO as he launched an 216 00:10:13,219 --> 00:10:15,108 unprovoked war of aggression with 217 00:10:15,108 --> 00:10:17,330 hundreds of thousands of Russian forces 218 00:10:17,330 --> 00:10:19,650 crossing the border on multiple avenues 219 00:10:19,659 --> 00:10:22,080 of approach . He was wrong . Ukraine's 220 00:10:22,090 --> 00:10:25,200 spirit remains unbroken . 221 00:10:25,940 --> 00:10:29,190 There are now 31 members of NATO and 222 00:10:29,200 --> 00:10:31,530 NATO is even stronger and united in the 223 00:10:31,539 --> 00:10:33,669 face of Russia's aggression and its 224 00:10:33,679 --> 00:10:36,309 attack on the rules based order . The 225 00:10:36,320 --> 00:10:38,431 United States and the members of this 226 00:10:38,431 --> 00:10:40,320 contact group remain committed to 227 00:10:40,320 --> 00:10:42,209 supporting Ukraine as a fight for 228 00:10:42,209 --> 00:10:44,440 freedom against Russia's illegal and 229 00:10:44,450 --> 00:10:46,979 unprovoked invasion . To date . The 230 00:10:46,989 --> 00:10:49,100 United States has committed more than 231 00:10:49,100 --> 00:10:51,140 $35 billion in military assistance 232 00:10:51,150 --> 00:10:53,359 including over two million tank and 233 00:10:53,369 --> 00:10:56,510 artillery rounds . Tens of thousands of 234 00:10:56,520 --> 00:10:58,353 anti armor weapons systems , air 235 00:10:58,353 --> 00:11:00,298 defense systems and other forms of 236 00:11:00,298 --> 00:11:02,187 munitions , hundreds of tanks and 237 00:11:02,187 --> 00:11:04,187 armored vehicles , precision aerial 238 00:11:04,187 --> 00:11:06,650 munitions and counter U capabilities . 239 00:11:07,640 --> 00:11:10,340 In addition , there's about 2500 240 00:11:10,349 --> 00:11:12,516 Ukrainian soldiers conducting training 241 00:11:12,516 --> 00:11:15,039 right now in Germany another 242 00:11:15,049 --> 00:11:18,700 8800 almost 9000 have completed 243 00:11:18,710 --> 00:11:20,932 training and have returned to Ukraine . 244 00:11:21,729 --> 00:11:23,562 And there are 65 Ukrainians that 245 00:11:23,562 --> 00:11:25,673 completed training on Patriot missile 246 00:11:25,673 --> 00:11:27,940 systems just recently since the early 247 00:11:27,950 --> 00:11:30,289 phases of this war . And for every 248 00:11:30,299 --> 00:11:32,299 month , since the United States has 249 00:11:32,299 --> 00:11:34,466 provided Ukraine with the capabilities 250 00:11:34,466 --> 00:11:36,640 to defend itself . And in conjunction 251 00:11:36,650 --> 00:11:38,817 with our allies and partners , we have 252 00:11:38,817 --> 00:11:40,880 delivered , this coalition will 253 00:11:40,890 --> 00:11:43,309 continue to provide vital training and 254 00:11:43,320 --> 00:11:45,542 additional capabilities for air defense 255 00:11:45,542 --> 00:11:47,549 and maneuver to enable Ukraine's 256 00:11:48,010 --> 00:11:51,559 ongoing fight , air defense munitions , 257 00:11:52,010 --> 00:11:54,460 air defense capabilities , tank 258 00:11:54,469 --> 00:11:56,330 munitions , armored vehicle 259 00:11:56,340 --> 00:11:58,451 capabilities , artillery ammunition , 260 00:11:58,580 --> 00:12:01,400 artillery tubes , and rockets and spare 261 00:12:01,409 --> 00:12:03,799 parts remain critical as Ukraine 262 00:12:03,809 --> 00:12:05,753 protects its cities and expels the 263 00:12:05,753 --> 00:12:08,890 Russian menace from its territory . Our 264 00:12:08,900 --> 00:12:11,011 countries and the countries of Europe 265 00:12:11,011 --> 00:12:13,233 have pledged that Ukraine will have the 266 00:12:13,233 --> 00:12:13,150 capabilities , it needs to execute 267 00:12:13,159 --> 00:12:15,369 their missions on their own timeline . 268 00:12:15,789 --> 00:12:18,011 And we have pledged that support for as 269 00:12:18,011 --> 00:12:20,011 long as it takes . As the secretary 270 00:12:20,011 --> 00:12:22,233 just said this week , the United States 271 00:12:22,233 --> 00:12:23,900 announced our latest security 272 00:12:23,900 --> 00:12:25,789 assistance package as part of our 273 00:12:25,789 --> 00:12:27,789 ongoing commitment to Ukraine as we 274 00:12:27,789 --> 00:12:29,622 stand here today . The Ukrainian 275 00:12:29,622 --> 00:12:31,956 military continues to perform very well . 276 00:12:31,956 --> 00:12:34,067 Intense fighting in and around . Baku 277 00:12:34,067 --> 00:12:36,233 continues and has for several months . 278 00:12:36,233 --> 00:12:38,011 Russia is expending significant 279 00:12:38,011 --> 00:12:41,789 manpower for very little gain . Russia 280 00:12:41,799 --> 00:12:44,119 is intensifying indiscriminate shelling 281 00:12:44,130 --> 00:12:46,559 in Avia and other cities and urban 282 00:12:46,570 --> 00:12:49,200 areas and Russia continues to pay 283 00:12:49,210 --> 00:12:52,739 severely for its war of choice , unlike 284 00:12:52,750 --> 00:12:54,528 Ukrainian forces who are highly 285 00:12:54,528 --> 00:12:56,750 motivated to fight for their country to 286 00:12:56,750 --> 00:12:58,528 fight for their freedom , their 287 00:12:58,528 --> 00:13:00,639 democracy and their way of life . The 288 00:13:00,639 --> 00:13:03,320 Russians lack in leadership , they lack 289 00:13:03,330 --> 00:13:05,809 will . The morale is poor and the 290 00:13:05,820 --> 00:13:08,789 discipline is eroding Russia has 291 00:13:08,799 --> 00:13:10,799 resorted to tightening conscription 292 00:13:10,799 --> 00:13:13,229 laws as they indiscriminately feed 293 00:13:13,239 --> 00:13:15,406 their citizens into the chaos of war . 294 00:13:15,869 --> 00:13:17,647 And so far , they've been quite 295 00:13:17,647 --> 00:13:19,591 ineffective in the coordination or 296 00:13:19,591 --> 00:13:21,758 direction of combined arms maneuver on 297 00:13:21,758 --> 00:13:23,925 the battlefield . Over the past year , 298 00:13:23,925 --> 00:13:25,980 Russia's temporary territorial gains 299 00:13:25,980 --> 00:13:27,813 have come with enormous losses . 300 00:13:28,200 --> 00:13:30,380 Hundreds of thousands of Russians have 301 00:13:30,390 --> 00:13:32,501 fled their country in addition to the 302 00:13:32,501 --> 00:13:34,612 casualties , they are trying to avoid 303 00:13:34,612 --> 00:13:37,830 fighting in Putin's war . Russia 304 00:13:37,840 --> 00:13:39,784 continues to fail in achieving its 305 00:13:39,784 --> 00:13:42,119 strategic objectives . They failed to 306 00:13:42,130 --> 00:13:44,650 seize Kev , they failed to topple the 307 00:13:44,659 --> 00:13:46,881 Ukrainian government and they failed to 308 00:13:46,881 --> 00:13:49,940 fracture NATO . In fact , they've done 309 00:13:49,950 --> 00:13:53,820 just the opposite stands . The people 310 00:13:53,830 --> 00:13:56,679 of Ukraine are emboldened and NATO has 311 00:13:56,690 --> 00:13:59,260 never been stronger . As President 312 00:13:59,270 --> 00:14:01,048 Biden and Secretary Austin have 313 00:14:01,048 --> 00:14:02,937 repeatedly said the United States 314 00:14:02,937 --> 00:14:04,937 remains committed for as long as it 315 00:14:04,937 --> 00:14:07,159 takes . Thank you and I look forward to 316 00:14:07,159 --> 00:14:08,937 your questions . Thank you , Mr 317 00:14:08,937 --> 00:14:11,103 Secretary . Thank you , Chairman . Our 318 00:14:11,103 --> 00:14:13,270 first question will go to Rachel Cohen 319 00:14:13,270 --> 00:14:16,619 defense news . Thank you for doing this . 320 00:14:16,630 --> 00:14:18,741 I have one question for each of you , 321 00:14:18,741 --> 00:14:20,852 Mr Chairman . We know from the recent 322 00:14:20,852 --> 00:14:23,019 leaks that the Pentagon was bullish on 323 00:14:23,019 --> 00:14:24,963 Ukraine's chances of retaking much 324 00:14:24,963 --> 00:14:26,797 territory in this spring counter 325 00:14:26,797 --> 00:14:28,686 offensive . Um Is that still your 326 00:14:28,686 --> 00:14:30,741 assessment now or what has changed ? 327 00:14:30,741 --> 00:14:32,630 And are you concerned that spring 328 00:14:32,630 --> 00:14:34,574 conditions on the ground will slow 329 00:14:34,574 --> 00:14:36,630 things down . And then for Secretary 330 00:14:36,630 --> 00:14:38,797 Austin , looking at the current crisis 331 00:14:38,797 --> 00:14:40,852 in Sudan , what lessons learned from 332 00:14:40,852 --> 00:14:43,019 the Afghanistan evacuation are shaping 333 00:14:43,019 --> 00:14:44,908 your efforts to prepare to get us 334 00:14:44,908 --> 00:14:47,099 embassy staff out of Sudan . And has 335 00:14:47,109 --> 00:14:49,331 the State Department asked you to begin 336 00:14:49,331 --> 00:14:52,900 that process ? Well , let me , uh let 337 00:14:52,909 --> 00:14:55,020 me start by saying that I'm not going 338 00:14:55,020 --> 00:14:56,798 to comment on future operations 339 00:14:56,798 --> 00:14:59,690 specifically or any of the substance 340 00:14:59,700 --> 00:15:01,756 that any of these leaks that are out 341 00:15:01,756 --> 00:15:03,811 there . But I will say that our task 342 00:15:03,811 --> 00:15:05,867 and our commitment to Ukraine was to 343 00:15:05,867 --> 00:15:08,033 provide the training and the equipment 344 00:15:08,033 --> 00:15:09,922 for up to nine brigades , armored 345 00:15:09,922 --> 00:15:11,867 brigades , armored mec brigades to 346 00:15:11,867 --> 00:15:13,978 conduct either offensive or defensive 347 00:15:13,978 --> 00:15:16,311 operations . Those brigades are trained , 348 00:15:16,311 --> 00:15:18,367 they are manned and they're equipped 349 00:15:18,367 --> 00:15:20,200 and they are prepared for combat 350 00:15:20,200 --> 00:15:22,311 operations . So whenever and wherever 351 00:15:22,311 --> 00:15:24,422 Ukraine chooses to use them , we will 352 00:15:24,422 --> 00:15:26,422 continue that support and I am very 353 00:15:26,422 --> 00:15:28,422 confident in those units ability to 354 00:15:28,422 --> 00:15:31,340 succeed regarding Sudan . Um the 355 00:15:31,349 --> 00:15:34,559 department uh through our headquarters 356 00:15:34,570 --> 00:15:36,719 in Africa continues to monitor very 357 00:15:36,729 --> 00:15:39,380 closely the situation on the ground and 358 00:15:39,390 --> 00:15:42,080 we continue to uh coordinate with uh 359 00:15:42,090 --> 00:15:44,257 with the state department to make sure 360 00:15:44,257 --> 00:15:46,423 we have a common vision of uh what the 361 00:15:46,429 --> 00:15:48,900 situation is . Um 362 00:15:50,979 --> 00:15:53,146 We always want to make sure that we're 363 00:15:53,146 --> 00:15:55,312 doing prudent planning , which is what 364 00:15:55,312 --> 00:15:58,869 we're doing . Uh We've uh um we've 365 00:15:58,880 --> 00:16:02,489 deployed some forces into 366 00:16:03,909 --> 00:16:06,510 theater to ensure that we 367 00:16:07,090 --> 00:16:10,020 provide as many options as possible if 368 00:16:10,030 --> 00:16:12,252 we are called on to do something and we 369 00:16:12,252 --> 00:16:14,400 haven't been called on to do anything 370 00:16:14,409 --> 00:16:17,250 yet . No decision on anything has been 371 00:16:17,260 --> 00:16:20,780 made and for operation security 372 00:16:20,789 --> 00:16:24,010 purposes , as you would guess , I won't 373 00:16:24,020 --> 00:16:27,710 specify where those troops moved to , 374 00:16:28,609 --> 00:16:30,950 but , but our focus is to make sure 375 00:16:30,960 --> 00:16:33,182 that we continue to do prudent planning 376 00:16:33,520 --> 00:16:36,229 and that we create and maintain as many 377 00:16:36,239 --> 00:16:38,869 options for uh our president as 378 00:16:38,880 --> 00:16:41,510 possible . Thank you . Our next 379 00:16:41,520 --> 00:16:44,260 question will go to S A R D . 380 00:16:48,229 --> 00:16:51,859 My question is going to both calling 381 00:16:51,869 --> 00:16:54,559 fighter jets . Ukraine said that they 382 00:16:54,570 --> 00:16:57,309 need more fighter jets . Poland has 383 00:16:57,320 --> 00:17:00,700 just delivered mix . Did you talk about 384 00:17:00,710 --> 00:17:03,080 fighter jets and how helpful could they 385 00:17:03,090 --> 00:17:06,859 be for Ukraine right 386 00:17:06,869 --> 00:17:09,678 now ? What we all believe is what 387 00:17:09,688 --> 00:17:12,389 Ukraine needs most urgently is ground 388 00:17:12,399 --> 00:17:15,280 based air defense capability . That is 389 00:17:15,290 --> 00:17:18,180 what has enabled them to prevent the 390 00:17:18,189 --> 00:17:20,022 Russian Air forces from having a 391 00:17:20,022 --> 00:17:23,219 meaningful impact in this fight . And 392 00:17:23,229 --> 00:17:25,920 so you've heard us say that for the 393 00:17:25,930 --> 00:17:28,880 last several months , we will continue 394 00:17:28,890 --> 00:17:31,469 to say that because that is what 395 00:17:31,479 --> 00:17:35,300 is most important in the current 396 00:17:35,510 --> 00:17:38,199 and the future fight in the immediate 397 00:17:38,209 --> 00:17:41,439 future . We have to make sure that the 398 00:17:41,449 --> 00:17:44,650 Ukrainians have the ability to protect 399 00:17:44,660 --> 00:17:46,716 their infrastructure , protect their 400 00:17:46,716 --> 00:17:48,938 citizens , but also protect troops that 401 00:17:48,938 --> 00:17:52,109 the troops are maneuvering . So uh we , 402 00:17:52,119 --> 00:17:54,579 we continue to engage our partners and 403 00:17:54,849 --> 00:17:57,609 uh and , and allies and , and emphasize 404 00:17:57,619 --> 00:18:00,510 that we need to do everything we can to 405 00:18:00,520 --> 00:18:03,250 ensure that Ukraine has adequate air 406 00:18:03,260 --> 00:18:05,204 defense , ground based air defense 407 00:18:05,204 --> 00:18:08,359 capability . And I have to applaud the , 408 00:18:08,670 --> 00:18:10,670 uh , the work that our partners are 409 00:18:10,670 --> 00:18:13,560 doing where possible . They're stepping 410 00:18:13,569 --> 00:18:16,619 up to the plate . I believe that we can 411 00:18:16,630 --> 00:18:18,852 still do more and I'm asking them to do 412 00:18:18,852 --> 00:18:20,741 more and I believe that they will 413 00:18:20,741 --> 00:18:23,890 respond . Our next question will go to 414 00:18:23,900 --> 00:18:25,599 Will Dunlop Agency press . 415 00:18:28,359 --> 00:18:31,319 Thank you , Secretary Austin are 416 00:18:31,329 --> 00:18:33,496 contact group members working to speed 417 00:18:33,496 --> 00:18:35,551 up deliveries of military supplies , 418 00:18:35,551 --> 00:18:37,718 especially key items such as artillery 419 00:18:37,718 --> 00:18:39,607 rounds ahead of Ukraine's counter 420 00:18:39,607 --> 00:18:41,718 offensive . And does Ukraine have the 421 00:18:41,718 --> 00:18:43,940 items it needs for that offensive ? And 422 00:18:43,940 --> 00:18:45,885 Chairman Milley , do you think the 423 00:18:45,885 --> 00:18:45,839 Abrams tanks will have a significant 424 00:18:45,849 --> 00:18:47,571 impact once they arrive on the 425 00:18:47,571 --> 00:18:49,571 battlefield in Ukraine ? The US has 426 00:18:49,571 --> 00:18:51,571 previously expressed concerns about 427 00:18:51,571 --> 00:18:53,905 logistics and sustainment for the tanks . 428 00:18:53,905 --> 00:18:53,640 Have those concerns been sufficiently 429 00:18:53,650 --> 00:18:57,569 addressed ? Thank you . Yeah . So uh 430 00:18:57,579 --> 00:19:00,579 several months ago as we , we set out 431 00:19:00,589 --> 00:19:02,989 the plan as our people set out the plan 432 00:19:03,000 --> 00:19:06,199 with the Ukrainian partners . Uh We 433 00:19:06,209 --> 00:19:08,660 outlined the parameters for , you know , 434 00:19:08,670 --> 00:19:11,599 potential operations and we designed uh 435 00:19:11,609 --> 00:19:14,770 the uh support that would be required 436 00:19:14,780 --> 00:19:17,849 to , to support those operations . Uh 437 00:19:17,859 --> 00:19:20,810 And we laid that out in detail . Uh and 438 00:19:20,819 --> 00:19:22,880 we , that , that set us on a path to 439 00:19:22,890 --> 00:19:24,770 generate combat power , combat 440 00:19:24,780 --> 00:19:27,489 capability . You've heard us talk about 441 00:19:27,500 --> 00:19:29,869 the , the combat platforms , the tanks , 442 00:19:29,880 --> 00:19:32,229 the Bradleys , the strike , the 443 00:19:32,239 --> 00:19:36,209 strikers martyrs C B nine s and all of 444 00:19:36,219 --> 00:19:38,290 the sustainment that goes along with 445 00:19:38,300 --> 00:19:41,839 that and all of the munitions required 446 00:19:41,849 --> 00:19:44,969 to be successful . As you just heard 447 00:19:44,979 --> 00:19:47,979 both what the chairman and I said this 448 00:19:47,989 --> 00:19:51,290 was uh this was really difficult 449 00:19:51,300 --> 00:19:54,300 work , but we have met our initial 450 00:19:54,310 --> 00:19:57,930 goals to provide what's required to , 451 00:19:57,949 --> 00:20:00,469 to get started and , and we will , and 452 00:20:00,479 --> 00:20:02,650 we know that combat is dynamic , 453 00:20:02,660 --> 00:20:05,670 complex . And so we understand that 454 00:20:05,680 --> 00:20:07,624 we're going to have to continue to 455 00:20:07,624 --> 00:20:10,050 sustain Ukraine's efforts going forward 456 00:20:10,060 --> 00:20:12,459 when the fight starts and long after 457 00:20:12,469 --> 00:20:15,640 the fight continues . So on the M One 458 00:20:15,650 --> 00:20:18,469 Tank , you know , I'm biased , but I 459 00:20:18,479 --> 00:20:20,590 think the M one Tank is the best tank 460 00:20:20,590 --> 00:20:22,646 in the world . There are other tanks 461 00:20:22,646 --> 00:20:24,590 that are quite good leopards , for 462 00:20:24,590 --> 00:20:24,160 example , are being provided as well . 463 00:20:24,170 --> 00:20:26,400 But I do think the M one tank when it 464 00:20:26,410 --> 00:20:29,060 is delivered will make a difference . 465 00:20:29,069 --> 00:20:31,589 Now let me distinguish between in a 466 00:20:31,599 --> 00:20:33,710 couple of weeks , you're going to get 467 00:20:33,710 --> 00:20:35,710 training tanks , those aren't quite 468 00:20:35,710 --> 00:20:35,270 combat capable and they'll be used to 469 00:20:35,280 --> 00:20:37,530 train the crews on how to shoot 470 00:20:37,540 --> 00:20:39,762 maneuver and maintain these tanks . And 471 00:20:39,762 --> 00:20:41,818 that will be part of the sustainment 472 00:20:41,818 --> 00:20:43,929 package to get them trained up as the 473 00:20:43,929 --> 00:20:45,984 other tanks are being refurbished in 474 00:20:45,984 --> 00:20:48,040 order to accelerate their delivery . 475 00:20:48,040 --> 00:20:50,040 But when they do get here and those 476 00:20:50,040 --> 00:20:52,262 crews are trained and they're used in a 477 00:20:52,262 --> 00:20:55,270 combined arms maneuver tactic in 478 00:20:55,280 --> 00:20:57,280 combination with mec infantry , the 479 00:20:57,280 --> 00:20:59,447 Bradleys , they'll be very effective . 480 00:20:59,447 --> 00:21:01,447 But I would also caution there's no 481 00:21:01,447 --> 00:21:03,391 silver bullet in wars , wars , the 482 00:21:03,391 --> 00:21:05,447 outcomes of battles and wars are the 483 00:21:05,447 --> 00:21:07,669 function of many , many variables . And 484 00:21:07,669 --> 00:21:09,780 in this case , you would have to make 485 00:21:09,780 --> 00:21:11,613 sure that your tanks are used in 486 00:21:11,613 --> 00:21:13,780 combined arms with mechanized infantry 487 00:21:13,780 --> 00:21:16,002 artillery . All of that is synchronized 488 00:21:16,002 --> 00:21:18,224 with dismounted forces , et cetera . So 489 00:21:18,224 --> 00:21:20,502 there is no silver bullet in this case , 490 00:21:20,502 --> 00:21:22,613 but I do think the M one tank when is 491 00:21:22,613 --> 00:21:22,489 delivered and it reaches its 492 00:21:22,500 --> 00:21:24,667 operational capability that it will be 493 00:21:24,667 --> 00:21:26,667 very effective on the battlefield . 494 00:21:26,667 --> 00:21:28,833 Thank you . And our last question will 495 00:21:28,833 --> 00:21:31,180 go to Claire Cambier T F one . Thank 496 00:21:31,290 --> 00:21:33,319 you . One question . 497 00:21:35,329 --> 00:21:37,440 Do you really believe in a successful 498 00:21:37,440 --> 00:21:39,718 counter offensive ? Because here today , 499 00:21:39,718 --> 00:21:42,439 we mainly hear about sustainability and 500 00:21:42,449 --> 00:21:45,369 long term and if this Confan doesn't 501 00:21:45,380 --> 00:21:48,290 lead to Ukrainian victory quickly , do 502 00:21:48,300 --> 00:21:50,522 you think that the Biden administration 503 00:21:50,522 --> 00:21:52,467 will still have the support of the 504 00:21:52,467 --> 00:21:54,467 American people to continue to help 505 00:21:54,467 --> 00:21:56,633 Ukraine ? And if I have the time , one 506 00:21:56,633 --> 00:21:58,689 quick question to General Maley , uh 507 00:21:58,689 --> 00:22:00,911 you have been asked about jets , but is 508 00:22:00,911 --> 00:22:03,133 there any chance that the United States 509 00:22:03,133 --> 00:22:05,244 change the mind about uh the delivery 510 00:22:05,244 --> 00:22:08,449 of the F-16 ? Thank you . So , Claire , 511 00:22:08,459 --> 00:22:10,626 your question is whether or not we can 512 00:22:10,626 --> 00:22:13,369 expect to continue to have support for 513 00:22:13,380 --> 00:22:16,729 Ukraine ? Well , we've enjoyed 514 00:22:16,739 --> 00:22:19,500 strong support from the American people 515 00:22:19,510 --> 00:22:22,160 throughout for this effort . This 516 00:22:22,170 --> 00:22:25,709 campaign and that support has enabled 517 00:22:25,719 --> 00:22:28,939 the Ukrainians to be as successful as 518 00:22:28,949 --> 00:22:31,189 they have been on the battlefield . I 519 00:22:31,199 --> 00:22:33,421 have to credit the Ukrainians for their 520 00:22:33,421 --> 00:22:35,532 will to fight for their ingenuity for 521 00:22:35,532 --> 00:22:37,640 their professionalism , for their 522 00:22:37,650 --> 00:22:40,589 leadership . Uh But uh even when you 523 00:22:40,599 --> 00:22:42,599 have all of that , you can't get it 524 00:22:42,599 --> 00:22:44,932 done unless you have the right gear and , 525 00:22:44,932 --> 00:22:46,766 and uh and , and you are able to 526 00:22:46,766 --> 00:22:48,766 sustain your efforts . And so we've 527 00:22:48,766 --> 00:22:50,710 worked together to help create the 528 00:22:50,710 --> 00:22:52,710 dynamics that we've seen thus far , 529 00:22:52,710 --> 00:22:54,766 we're going to continue to work . So 530 00:22:54,766 --> 00:22:56,821 we've enjoyed uh uh support from the 531 00:22:56,821 --> 00:23:00,300 American people uh throughout uh I am , 532 00:23:00,310 --> 00:23:02,421 I am very hopeful that we'll continue 533 00:23:02,421 --> 00:23:04,630 to see that same level of support . Uh 534 00:23:04,640 --> 00:23:08,400 And uh and again , and this is 535 00:23:08,410 --> 00:23:10,530 not just important to the Ukrainian 536 00:23:10,540 --> 00:23:13,069 people . It's important to the world . 537 00:23:13,520 --> 00:23:15,187 This is about the rules based 538 00:23:15,187 --> 00:23:17,630 international order . This is about , 539 00:23:17,640 --> 00:23:20,349 you know , a bully not having the 540 00:23:20,680 --> 00:23:23,829 ability to trample his smaller neighbor 541 00:23:23,839 --> 00:23:26,770 at will . And this is about protecting , 542 00:23:26,930 --> 00:23:29,160 providing the opportunity for a country 543 00:23:29,170 --> 00:23:32,859 to protect its sovereign rights . So on 544 00:23:32,869 --> 00:23:36,239 the uh F-16 or any other fourth 545 00:23:36,250 --> 00:23:38,194 generation aircraft from any other 546 00:23:38,194 --> 00:23:40,194 country . You know , first of all , 547 00:23:40,194 --> 00:23:42,417 those are policy questions that will be 548 00:23:42,417 --> 00:23:44,583 made by political leaders . But from a 549 00:23:44,583 --> 00:23:46,910 military perspective , the task is to 550 00:23:46,920 --> 00:23:49,760 control the air space , how you control 551 00:23:49,770 --> 00:23:51,770 that airspace can be done in many , 552 00:23:51,770 --> 00:23:53,881 many different ways . The most cost , 553 00:23:53,881 --> 00:23:55,937 effective , efficient way to do that 554 00:23:55,937 --> 00:23:58,060 right now for Ukraine and the fastest 555 00:23:58,069 --> 00:24:00,180 way to do that for Ukraine is through 556 00:24:00,180 --> 00:24:02,402 air defense , they've been doing it for 557 00:24:02,402 --> 00:24:04,569 over a year now . They've been denying 558 00:24:04,569 --> 00:24:06,791 the airspace to effective Russian use . 559 00:24:06,791 --> 00:24:06,660 The Russians have been flying some 560 00:24:06,670 --> 00:24:08,739 sorties into Ukraine but limited 561 00:24:08,750 --> 00:24:10,528 amounts of sorties over Russian 562 00:24:10,528 --> 00:24:12,583 occupied Ukraine . The Russians have 563 00:24:12,583 --> 00:24:14,694 not done battlefield air interdiction 564 00:24:14,694 --> 00:24:16,639 deep into Ukraine territory except 565 00:24:16,639 --> 00:24:18,806 through missiles and rockets that have 566 00:24:18,806 --> 00:24:20,917 been fired from over Russian . Why is 567 00:24:20,917 --> 00:24:23,139 that done by the Russians ? Because the 568 00:24:23,139 --> 00:24:21,989 Ukrainians are shooting Russian 569 00:24:22,000 --> 00:24:24,660 aircraft down . So the Russians are 570 00:24:24,670 --> 00:24:26,781 cautious to come into Ukraine because 571 00:24:26,781 --> 00:24:28,892 of the effective use of the Ukrainian 572 00:24:28,892 --> 00:24:31,003 air defense system . That is the most 573 00:24:31,003 --> 00:24:33,059 critical thing right now is that air 574 00:24:33,059 --> 00:24:35,226 defense system to make sure that it is 575 00:24:35,226 --> 00:24:37,392 robust , it's rigorous , it's deep and 576 00:24:37,392 --> 00:24:37,239 it's layered from high altitude to mid 577 00:24:37,250 --> 00:24:39,472 altitude to low altitude and from short 578 00:24:39,472 --> 00:24:41,583 range , mid range to long range . And 579 00:24:41,583 --> 00:24:43,639 the frontline forces , the Ukrainian 580 00:24:43,639 --> 00:24:45,917 front line forces need to be protected . 581 00:24:45,917 --> 00:24:47,861 That's the most important critical 582 00:24:47,861 --> 00:24:47,550 military task right now . That was the 583 00:24:47,560 --> 00:24:49,750 theme of this entire day was air 584 00:24:49,760 --> 00:24:51,927 defense , air defense , air defense to 585 00:24:51,927 --> 00:24:54,038 make sure that Ukraine can defend its 586 00:24:54,038 --> 00:24:56,119 airspace in terms of the aircraft 587 00:24:56,130 --> 00:24:58,430 themselves . There's a long lead time 588 00:24:58,439 --> 00:25:01,030 for training of pilots , et cetera . 589 00:25:01,400 --> 00:25:03,400 And the Russians have a significant 590 00:25:03,400 --> 00:25:05,400 amount of air power and to take the 591 00:25:05,400 --> 00:25:07,456 Ukrainian Air Force from where it is 592 00:25:07,456 --> 00:25:09,567 today and to build it up to match the 593 00:25:09,567 --> 00:25:11,178 Russian Air Force , that's a 594 00:25:11,178 --> 00:25:13,344 significant level of effort by lots of 595 00:25:13,344 --> 00:25:15,511 countries and those policy choices may 596 00:25:15,511 --> 00:25:17,567 or may not be made down the road and 597 00:25:17,567 --> 00:25:17,369 we'll see where that goes . But right 598 00:25:17,380 --> 00:25:19,602 now , the immediate need is Air Defense 599 00:25:20,060 --> 00:25:22,282 Secretary Austin General Milley . Thank 600 00:25:22,282 --> 00:25:24,449 you very much , gentlemen , ladies and 601 00:25:24,449 --> 00:25:26,504 gentlemen , this concludes our press 602 00:25:26,504 --> 00:25:25,800 briefing . Thank you very much for 603 00:25:25,810 --> 00:25:27,469 joining us today . Thanks everybody .