U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed his commitment to defending NATO member territories and stated that the United States will continue to stand with its NATO allies. He made these remarks following a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, which he was not able to attend due to health issues, with the U.S. ambassador to NATO attending in his place.
Mr. Austin said he was pleased with the progress made between the United States and its allies during the meeting, particularly in discussions about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, NATO spending, and the objectives of the 2023 Vilnius Summit. He emphasized the importance of NATO’s unity in the face of threats from those seeking to rupture the alliance.
The defense secretary also committed the United States to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing struggle, stating that it remains crucial to American and global security. Additionally, he highlighted the urgent battlefield needs of Ukraine, noting that the United States is proud to co-lead two capability coalitions aimed at strengthening the Ukrainian military.
Despite his health issues, Mr. Austin attended a separate meeting with the Ukraine Defense Contact Group virtually, where he reiterated the importance of Ukraine’s self-defense and its role in global security. This demonstration of support comes as Mr. Austin recovers from a recent hospitalization, unrelated to his prostate cancer diagnosis in December 2023, that required an emergency procedure. The Pentagon has stated that his health issues will not affect his prognosis for recovery from cancer.