Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin today reiterated the United States’ support for Ukraine when he chaired a meeting of the U.S.-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
“We’re all here to reaffirm our support for a free, secure and sovereign Ukraine and to ensure that we continue to get Ukraine the capabilities that it needs for the winter and beyond,” Austin said, according to prepared remarks released by DOD.
The administration sent a new $250 million aid package Dec. 27 but has said it is out of money to do more until Congress passes its supplemental spending request. That is currently on hold as lawmakers discuss what U.S.-Mexico border security measures to include.
‘Feeling Good,’ Austin Says
This was Austin’s first public appearance since being released from Walter Reed Military Medical Center, where he was treated for complications from a prostate cancer treatment.
“As you can tell, I’m joining from home today,” he said. “I’m feeling good and looking forward to being back at the Pentagon very soon. And I’m grateful for all of your warm wishes.
DOD photo of Austin at a September Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting by Chad J. McNeeley
