Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., Hold a Press Conference

View Online Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General "CQ" Brown Jr Hold a Press Conference Sept. 6, 2024 PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY MAJ GEN PAT RYDER:  All right. Well, good afternoon, everyone. Thank you very much for being here today. It is my pleasure to introduce Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General CQ Brown Jr. The Secretary and the Chairman will deliver opening remarks and then we'll have time to take a few questions. Please note that I will moderate those questions and call on journalists and due to time constraints, I would ask those who are called upon to please limit your follow up questions. And with that, I will turn it over to Secretary Austin. Over to you, sir. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD AUSTIN:  Thanks, Patrick. Well, good afternoon, everyone, and thanks for joining us today. We just held the 24th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and I am deeply grateful to all the countries who came back to Ramstein again today. It was great to see Minister Umarov again after our recent meeting at the Pentagon. He is a valued partner and a friend, and it was an honor to have President Zelenskyy join this contact group for the first time here at Ramstein. The whole contact group heard his passionate call for more security assistance for Ukraine, and I share President Zelenskyy's outrage over Putin's most recent barrage of airstrikes, which have been some of the heaviest since Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Ukrainian forces still face perilous battlefield conditions, especially in Pokrovske, but Ukraine's troops continue to fight with skill, courage and daring. And that's why we're meeting at such a dynamic moment on the battlefield. Ukrainian forces have advanced into Russia's Kursk region since early August. And for two and a half years, Ukraine has more than held its own against the largest military in Europe. And above all, the credit for that goes to Ukraine's brave troops. But I'm also deeply grateful to the allies and partners who have given Ukraine's forces the tools to defend themselves and their country. Some 50 nations of goodwill were back at Ramstein today and they continue to rush urgently needed capabilities to Ukraine, including air defense, armor, artillery ammunition and most recently, F-16 fighters. This coalition has committed more than $106 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since February 2022, and our friends continue to dig deep. As a percentage of GDP, a dozen of our allies actually contribute more to Ukraine's self-defense than the United States and we continue to see impressive new security assistance commitments. Just look at Denmark's announcement of some $115 million in near-term and long-term support for Ukraine. Importantly, that includes procuring new military equipment through Ukrainian defense industries. And Norway is transferring defense tech through Norwegian industry to support 155 millimeter shell production in Ukraine. That will further boost Ukraine's ability to produce modern artillery ammunition at home. And the United States remains proud to do our part. Since this contact group convened in June, the United States has committed more than $4 billion in new security assistance for Ukraine, and we will continue to focus on Ukraine's priority capability needs. So we're providing armored vehicles and fires to support Ukrainian troops on the front lines and our security assistance includes air defense systems to protect Ukrainian civilians and ward off Russian attacks against Ukraine's power grid, but the Kremlin continues to put Ukraine's cities in the crosshairs. And I'm grateful to all the allies and partners who have done so much to help meet Ukraine's dire need for air defense. And as Ukraine heads into its third winter of war, the United States will continue to stand up and lead. So I'm pleased to announce that President Biden has authorized a new security assistance package for Ukraine worth $250 million. That will provide Ukraine with additional air defense, armored vehicles, anti-tank weapons and munitions for rocket systems and artillery. But we're not just focused on Ukraine's near-term needs. We're also working with allies and partners to help Ukraine forge its long-term security. The eight capability coalitions let our allies and partners coordinate our support for Ukraine and together with the Contact Group's national armaments directors, they're helping Ukraine build a combat credible future force. And you can see that in the tireless work of the Air Force Capability Coalition, which over the past year, has trained Ukrainian pilots and equipped Ukraine with its first F-16 fighters. We're also working together to spur investments in Ukraine's own defense industrial base and the national armaments directors are helping to translate Ukraine's needs into expanded production lines around the globe and into accelerated deliveries of key capabilities. The United States and our fellow contact group members are also partnering with Ukraine's defense firms to help Ukraine ramp up its own production and we're working with Ukraine to create an enduring framework for long-term support. So we're confident that we're building the right structure to help Ukraine succeed in the weeks, months and years ahead. I always find it moving to look around the room at this contact group. It's still sort of amazing to see leaders from 50 countries from all around the world, all sticking up for what's right. And they're also standing up for our shared security in the 21st century. Putin seeks a world of empires and autocrats, a world where might makes right, a world where bullies get to invade their peaceful neighbors with impunity. And that would be profoundly dangerous for the United States and for peace loving people everywhere. So, the United States and our allies and partners worldwide rallied together, and today we stood up again for our values in our security. The members of this contact group understand what's at stake and we won't back down. And with that, let me turn it over to General Brown. GENERAL CQ BROWN, JR.:  Well, thank you, Mr. Secretary. Good afternoon, everyone. About two weeks ago, Ukraine celebrated its Independence Day, marking 33 years as a free nation. On 24 August 1991, the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine was signed. The declaration invokes the nation's right to self-determination under the United Nations Charter and reads: The territory of Ukraine is indivisible and inviolable; from this day forward, the constitution and laws of Ukraine only are valid on the territory of Ukraine. For two and a half years, Ukraine's sovereignty has been under siege. Russia still aims to annex Ukraine and impose their laws on its people. But Ukraine has shown the world that they are indivisible, and they defended their freedom with unwavering resolve. With the support of the nations here today, Ukraine will remain an independent and sovereign nation. I'd like to thank Secretary Austin for convening this coalition once again and, sir, thank you so much for your leadership. A sincere thank you and an honor to be joined today by President Zelenskyy, and also a thanks to Defense Minister Umarov for being here today with the Ukraine delegation, and to all the nations of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group here today, thank you. This coalition has been indivisible in supporting Ukraine to repel Russian aggression. Our collective stand is more than just beating back one illegal invasion. Potential aggressors are watching how the world responds, how we collectively fight to uphold international law, national sovereignty, and democratic norms. Russia's aggression in Ukraine is a challenge to the free world. The principles we are defending, the right to self-determination, the sanctity of national borders, and the rule of law, are the very foundations of global peace and stability. If these principles are compromised in Ukraine, that precedent can encourage similar acts of aggression elsewhere, undermining the international order we worked so hard to build. That is why our support for Ukraine is not just about helping one nation, it's about safeguarding the principles that bind us together as a global community. And this coalition has shown that collective commitment to common principles can translate into significant battlefield success. When Russia invaded Ukraine, many thought Kyiv would fall in just a matter of days. But Ukraine proved to be a stubborn opponent. Within days, millions of everyday Ukrainians mobilized, determined to defend their freedom, independence, and way of life. The Ukrainians have exploited Russian vulnerabilities and innovated unconventional solutions. In recent months, Ukraine's stymied Russia's offensive toward Kharkiv and has inflicted tremendous losses on Russian forces. And now Russia is facing Ukraine's counteroffensive on their own soil. Without a doubt, Ukraine's indivisible strength of will is the main reason Russia is failing in its own invasion. It's the ongoing support from the nations here today that has helped turn that will into fighting power. But in the last few weeks, Russia has doubled down on its objectives, launching major multi-axis attacks with devastating outcomes. This week's attacks on hospitals, schools, and residential areas, along with major shelling of energy and agricultural infrastructure, remind the world that Russia will take any means necessary to challenge Ukraine's sovereignty. The sum 50 nations here today are responsible for helping build Ukraine's combat power for the past two and a half years. We cannot stop now. The challenge before us is that Ukraine needs help reconstituting their combat forces, engineering new ones between now and the next spring. We must build on the current momentum providing parts, equipment and training to sustain Ukraine's fleet of supplied weapons systems. We must also help Ukraine build its own industrial base by unlocking technical specifications, pursuing co-production opportunities and providing key maintenance training. This will enable robust domestic production and sustainment capacity. Our continued support, combined with Ukraine's indivisible determination to defend itself, sends a message to authoritarian regimes -- they won't win against a group of nations that stand for freedom and democracy. 33 years ago, Ukraine declared that they were a nation that is indivisible and inviolable, that they would obey only the laws set forward by the democratically elected Ukrainian government. They have fought courageously for these principles over the past two and a half years, and with the Ukraine Defense Contact Group's assistance, they will continue to withstand Russia's attacks and remain a free, independent and democratic nation. Thank you and I look forward to your questions. RYDER:  Thank you, both gentlemen. Our first question will go to Phil Stewart, Reuters. Q:  Thank you. Two questions, one for each of you. General Brown, in your military opinion, do you believe Ukraine's loss of Pokrovsk would deal Kyiv a serious blow? How high are the stakes here? And are you concerned that Kyiv might not be able to defend Pokrovsk without drawing forces from Kursk? And for Secretary Austin, did President Zelenskyy offer more detail on his plan for victory that he says he'll be presenting to the United States later this month? And as a former US general, do you believe that either side could definitively win the war on the battlefield in the next few months? Thank you. BROWN:  Well, thanks, Phil, for the question. I think the key thing I would highlight is what Ukraine has been able to do to defend its territory over the course of the past two and a half years shows their distinct will to fight. And when you look at Pokrovsk, it's an area that you can see that the Russians have made one of their main efforts. But we're going to work very closely with the Ukrainians to help defend that area as well as every -- all parts of their terrain as well. The key part here is that we want to make sure that they protect that, so it doesn't impact -- one of the objectives they had was to defend the north and east to defend their industrial areas. So, it's an important aspect for the nation. It's also an important aspect of protecting that area to continue to allow them to generate combat power, not just there in that Donbas region, but really across the entire front. AUSTIN:  Phil, could you repeat your question please? The second -- Q:  --Absolutely, one second. Did President Zelenskyy offer more detail on his plan for victory that he says he'll be presenting in the United States later this month? And as a former US general, do you believe that either side could definitively declare victory on the battlefield in the next few months while the Biden administration still has time in office? Thank you. AUSTIN:  Well, thanks, Phil. I did get a chance to spend some quality time with President Zelenskyy. And you'll recall that President Zelenskyy outlined his goals and objectives during his opening comments, and I would point you to that if you have questions about specific objectives. But in terms of a plan for victory, Phil, we didn't discuss that. We talked about a number of things but that specific piece we didn't discuss. And President Zelenskyy is going to present that to President Biden and other leaders at the first opportunity. In terms of whether or not victory is achievable, again, I think this war could end very quickly if Mr. Putin decided to pull his forces out of the places that he's occupied in Ukraine. I mean, this was started by Putin. It could end -- Putin could end it very quickly if he just made the simple and right decision to undo what he's done. In terms of absolute victory, it really depends on how you define it. Ukraine is focused on defending its sovereign territory. We're going to continue to do everything we can to help them do that. What Russia's goals and objectives are, I couldn't speak to that specifically. And victory would be defined by goals and objectives, but we know from the very beginning that he's wanted to annex Ukraine because he doesn't believe that Ukraine is a bona fide country. I think eventually this conflict will be resolved at a negotiation table, but when that point comes, it's hard to predict, Phil. So we're going to continue to work to put Ukraine in the best possible position that it can be in when and if that day comes in the future. RYDER:  Thank you. Our next question will go to Yuta Spangenberg ARD. Q:  Mr. Secretary of Defense, hello. Ukraine is demanding permission from the United States to attack targets in deep Russia with long range weapons. What is your opinion on that? AUSTIN:  What is my opinion on long range weapons? Yuta, what I have been focused on throughout is trying to help Ukraine be successful in this tactical fight, in this operational struggle to make sure that it can defend its sovereign territory and there's a number of ways to accomplish that. We've said all along, Yuta, there's no one capability that will in and of itself be decisive in this campaign. We had this discussion about tanks. We had this discussion about other capabilities and each time we point out that it's not just one thing, it's the combination of capabilities and how you integrate those capabilities to achieve objectives. So we're going to remain focused on doing everything we can, Yuta, to ensure that they have what they need to be successful and to create the right dynamics on the battlefield that maybe creates some opportunities and that would help Ukraine better defend its sovereign territory. And they haven't done so bad, Yuta. If you think about the fact that what I said earlier, this is the largest military in Europe that they faced. And when this conflict started, Ukraine didn't have much of a military, much of an army to speak of, but they built capability over time, and they've been able to do that with the tremendous security assistance that allies and partners have provided them throughout. So I don't believe that one specific capability is going to be decisive, but again, our approach to integrating things and to making sure that they have the right skill sets to employ those capabilities and those capabilities are linked to specific objectives. RYDER:  Thank you, sir. Our next question will go to Charlie D'Agata , CBS News. Q:  Thank you. First of all, Mr. Chairman, when it comes to the operation in Kursk, how satisfied are you that they have the resources that they need, especially as we head into the winter months? And are there contingency plans underway or at least in place, should they need to be redeployed? And Mr. Secretary, I have to go back, President Zelenskyy has repeatedly requested for these long range attacks inside Russia, even allies agree. So what is stopping the United States from giving the go ahead? AUSTIN:  I don't believe one specific capability will be decisive, and I stand by that comment. I think Ukraine has a pretty significant capability of its own to address targets that are well beyond the range of ATACMS or even Storm Shadow for that matter. And as we look at the battlefield currently, we know that the Russians have actually moved their aircraft that are using the glide bombers beyond the range of ATACMS. So this is an interesting argument. But again, I think for the foreseeable future, we're going to make sure that we remain focused on helping them do those things that enable them to be effective in defending their sovereign territory. Chairman. Q:  Mr. President--excuse me, Mr. Secretary, President Zelenskyy and others have said that there are other strategic targets inside Russia within range that could be effectively taken out with these long range weapons. AUSTIN:  There are a lot of targets in Russia, a big country, obviously. And there's a lot of capability that Ukraine has in terms of UAVs and other things to address those targets. BROWN:  Charlie, to answer your question on Kursk and this is one of the areas that as we talked to the Ukrainians and some of the conversations we had today and the conversations I've had with my counterpart, General Tschirschky, is ensuring they have the capabilities logistically to support themselves while they're there in Kursk. And so that is the conversation. At the same time, how do we make sure that they're able to, tied to the earlier question, protect Pokrovske as well. And so it's how they balance out that capability. In addition to that, continue the force generation that's required to ensure they have the force, not only through the winter, but after they get through the winter as well. And so these are the conversations we're having with them and very positive conversations with the Ukrainian delegation that was here today. RYDER:  Thank you. Our final question will go to Crystal Haas, ZDF. Q:  Mr. Secretary, soon there will be elections in the United States. If Donald Trump wins, would this affect the help for the Ukraine? And to the chairman, the question, do you think that it's possible for the Ukrainian forces militarily to conquer back the landscapes they lost? AUSTIN:  So Crystal, your question is, are the elections going to affect the outcome in Ukraine? Crystal, I won't speculate on any outcomes of the election. What I'm focused on right now is what I said earlier, is making sure that Ukraine has the ability to create the conditions on the battlefield that provide some advantage to them so that they can be successful in the defense of their sovereign territory, and that remains my focus. BROWN:  Crystal, I think one of the areas I would highlight is part of our objective is to ensure that Ukraine can defend itself and continue to be a sovereign nation, just as I outlined, when they declared their independence. Pretty broad amount of territory to conquer back. And I know that was an original strategic objective and not to speak for President Zelenskyy, that may be still a strategic objective. The key point is how we operate and support them here in the near-term to allow them to continue to defend themselves and to be successful in the operations that are being executed right now. Thanks. RYDER:  Secretary Austin, General Brown, thank you very much, gentlemen. Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes our press briefing for today. Thank you again for joining us.

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