Washington: U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has spoken to 15 NATO allies and their European counterparts about Russia’s military activities in Ukraine, the Pentagon reported on Friday.
Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said Secretary Austin spoke privately with the defense ministers of Canada and Turkey. Austin also convened a virtual European Council meeting with his counterparts from France, Germany, Italy, and the UK, Kirby said.
According to the Pentagon statement, Austin also participated in the secure teleconference with his counterparts from Bucharest Nine (B9) countries such as Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. Lan, Romania and Slovakia.”
Secretary Austin has made it clear that the United States and its allies and partners will support Ukraine and deter aggression against NATO while avoiding conflict with Russia.
“The United States’ commitment to defending NATO territory is firm, and the United States will continue to strengthen our position to protect NATO allies better,” the Pentagon said in a statement.
Austin said the U.S. had deployed an additional 15,000 troops in recent weeks following the Russian military operation and that there are now more than 90,000 U.S. troops in Europe.
The Pentagon said it had redeployed other soldiers to Europe to appease its allies and deter Russia’s attack on NATO. Austin praised the integration measures taken by NATO and thanked his allies for the steps taken to strengthen NATO’s eastern side and provide security assistance to Ukraine.
The U.S. defense secretary has made clear U.S. support for Ukraine. He said that the U.S. would continue providing defensive assistance to Ukraine.
Russia has been subject to sanctions by several Western countries. There are reports that Russia is currently invading the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Videos shared by citizens living in the country show explosions and bombings.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had advised Russian Leader Vladimir Putin to resolve issues peacefully. Till now, 4000 out of 20,000 Indians have been evacuated from Ukraine. Countries across the globe are trying their best to evacuate their citizens from Ukraine.
Published By: Jaspreet Singh
Edited By: Kritika Kashyap
