1 00:00:02,430 --> 00:00:06,180 right , okay , just give me a second to 2 00:00:06,180 --> 00:00:09,440 get set here . Alright , good afternoon 3 00:00:09,440 --> 00:00:11,730 everyone . Um I just have a few items 4 00:00:11,730 --> 00:00:13,730 at the top and then I'd be happy to 5 00:00:13,730 --> 00:00:15,897 take your questions . So as you know , 6 00:00:15,897 --> 00:00:18,119 Secretary Austin is traveling right now 7 00:00:18,119 --> 00:00:20,230 in Germany , he met this morning with 8 00:00:20,230 --> 00:00:22,452 german defense Minister Boris Pistorius 9 00:00:22,452 --> 00:00:25,130 to discuss a range of issues um 10 00:00:25,140 --> 00:00:27,630 including our bilateral defense 11 00:00:27,640 --> 00:00:29,751 relationships and security assistance 12 00:00:29,751 --> 00:00:31,862 to Ukraine . We should have a readout 13 00:00:31,862 --> 00:00:34,029 forthcoming that will be posted online 14 00:00:34,029 --> 00:00:36,060 at defense dot gov . Additionally , 15 00:00:36,070 --> 00:00:38,292 tomorrow the secretary will convene the 16 00:00:38,292 --> 00:00:40,403 eighth section session of the Ukraine 17 00:00:40,403 --> 00:00:42,650 Defense Contact group at the Ramstein 18 00:00:42,660 --> 00:00:44,980 Ramstein Air Base . The contact group 19 00:00:44,980 --> 00:00:47,036 has been instrumental in identifying 20 00:00:47,036 --> 00:00:49,258 synchronizing and ensuring the delivery 21 00:00:49,258 --> 00:00:50,980 of military capabilities . The 22 00:00:50,980 --> 00:00:52,758 Ukrainians need to defend their 23 00:00:52,758 --> 00:00:54,869 homeland against Russian aggression . 24 00:00:54,869 --> 00:00:57,036 The Secretary looks forward to meeting 25 00:00:57,036 --> 00:00:59,258 with Defense leaders from approximately 26 00:00:59,258 --> 00:01:01,480 50 nations that comprise this important 27 00:01:01,480 --> 00:01:03,813 group dedicated to Ukraine self defense . 28 00:01:03,813 --> 00:01:06,036 And finally um you might have seen that 29 00:01:06,036 --> 00:01:07,950 the secretary um in his bilateral 30 00:01:07,950 --> 00:01:10,006 meeting this morning also said a few 31 00:01:10,006 --> 00:01:12,228 words about this , but on behalf of the 32 00:01:12,228 --> 00:01:14,394 department would just like to echo the 33 00:01:14,394 --> 00:01:16,283 secretary of sorrow and offer our 34 00:01:16,283 --> 00:01:18,506 deepest condolences over the helicopter 35 00:01:18,506 --> 00:01:20,450 crash near Kiev . Um that took the 36 00:01:20,450 --> 00:01:22,450 lives of more than a dozen people , 37 00:01:22,450 --> 00:01:24,672 including Ukraine's Interior Minister , 38 00:01:24,672 --> 00:01:27,500 Denis Monastery Ski . And with that um 39 00:01:27,500 --> 00:01:29,667 I will take your questions , I'll turn 40 00:01:29,667 --> 00:01:31,611 over to tear Cup . Alright , uh to 41 00:01:31,611 --> 00:01:34,260 first um yesterday the Coast Guard put 42 00:01:34,260 --> 00:01:36,371 out a tweet on a Russian intelligence 43 00:01:36,371 --> 00:01:38,538 ship operating off the coast of Hawaii 44 00:01:38,538 --> 00:01:40,700 um is the department concerned about 45 00:01:40,700 --> 00:01:42,589 this . Has there been any sort of 46 00:01:42,589 --> 00:01:44,670 communication with the ship And you 47 00:01:44,670 --> 00:01:46,670 know this is a fairly routine their 48 00:01:46,670 --> 00:01:48,892 Russian spy ships that end up on the US 49 00:01:48,892 --> 00:01:51,230 coastline frequently . But is there a 50 00:01:51,240 --> 00:01:53,351 bigger concern now because of Ukraine 51 00:01:53,351 --> 00:01:56,860 work ? Well , you know , I I can't say 52 00:01:56,860 --> 00:02:00,090 I can't speak to why the Russians are 53 00:02:00,100 --> 00:02:02,880 sailing this ship right now . It's kind 54 00:02:02,880 --> 00:02:05,140 of precarious timing . But um I would 55 00:02:05,140 --> 00:02:07,196 say that the Coast Guard is still is 56 00:02:07,196 --> 00:02:09,418 monitoring this Russian vessel . That's 57 00:02:09,418 --> 00:02:11,251 um we believe is an intelligence 58 00:02:11,251 --> 00:02:13,307 gathering vessel but is operating in 59 00:02:13,307 --> 00:02:15,418 international and waters . We haven't 60 00:02:15,418 --> 00:02:17,470 seen any unsafe for unprofessional 61 00:02:17,480 --> 00:02:21,470 behavior . And we expect 62 00:02:21,470 --> 00:02:24,750 that the Russians will um operate 63 00:02:24,750 --> 00:02:26,806 within the region in accordance with 64 00:02:26,806 --> 00:02:28,861 international law . But for any , in 65 00:02:28,861 --> 00:02:31,028 terms of interaction with the with the 66 00:02:31,028 --> 00:02:30,980 vessel itself , directly to the Coast 67 00:02:30,980 --> 00:02:33,890 Guard . And second a different topic . 68 00:02:34,130 --> 00:02:36,600 Um The Germans have indicated they're 69 00:02:36,610 --> 00:02:38,666 hesitant to provide tanks to Ukraine 70 00:02:38,666 --> 00:02:40,999 unless the U . S . Also provides Abrams . 71 00:02:40,999 --> 00:02:43,560 Where are we on those discussions ? And 72 00:02:43,570 --> 00:02:45,737 what is the likelihood that , you know 73 00:02:45,737 --> 00:02:48,370 Abrams would be sent in order to um I 74 00:02:48,370 --> 00:02:50,370 guess work alongside the Germans on 75 00:02:50,370 --> 00:02:52,203 this ? Well , we're gonna have a 76 00:02:52,203 --> 00:02:54,930 readout from the Secretary's meeting 77 00:02:54,930 --> 00:02:58,490 with his counterpart ? Uh 78 00:02:58,500 --> 00:03:00,500 Minister of Defense Pistorius later 79 00:03:00,500 --> 00:03:02,056 today . But in terms of the 80 00:03:02,056 --> 00:03:04,300 conversations I think you saw recall 81 00:03:04,300 --> 00:03:06,650 really speak to this yesterday . Um the 82 00:03:06,660 --> 00:03:09,250 Abrams are a , it's more of a 83 00:03:09,250 --> 00:03:11,306 sustainment issue ? I mean this is a 84 00:03:11,306 --> 00:03:13,990 tank that is um requires jet fuel . 85 00:03:14,000 --> 00:03:16,760 Whereas the leopard and the the 86 00:03:16,760 --> 00:03:19,190 Challenger , uh , it's a different 87 00:03:19,190 --> 00:03:21,520 engine . They require diesel . It's a 88 00:03:21,520 --> 00:03:23,576 little bit easier to maintain . They 89 00:03:23,576 --> 00:03:25,790 can maneuver across large portions of 90 00:03:25,790 --> 00:03:27,846 territory before they need to refuel 91 00:03:27,846 --> 00:03:31,465 the maintenance and the , the high 92 00:03:31,465 --> 00:03:34,385 cost that it would take to maintain an 93 00:03:34,385 --> 00:03:37,185 Abrams . It just doesn't make sense to 94 00:03:37,185 --> 00:03:39,352 provide that to the Ukrainians at this 95 00:03:39,352 --> 00:03:41,275 moment . Um , as you know , we've 96 00:03:41,275 --> 00:03:43,355 provided the Bradleys . Um , we're 97 00:03:43,355 --> 00:03:46,135 seeing other nations , uh , step up and 98 00:03:46,135 --> 00:03:48,355 continue to provide um , equipment and 99 00:03:48,355 --> 00:03:50,775 material to Ukraine , um , that they 100 00:03:50,775 --> 00:03:52,905 can ultimately , this is Germany's 101 00:03:52,905 --> 00:03:54,683 decision . It's their sovereign 102 00:03:54,683 --> 00:03:57,730 decision um , on what security 103 00:03:57,730 --> 00:03:59,960 assistance they will provide . Um , so 104 00:03:59,960 --> 00:04:02,182 we won't be able to speak to them . But 105 00:04:02,182 --> 00:04:04,127 I think that um , we are certainly 106 00:04:04,127 --> 00:04:06,349 doing what we can to support Ukraine in 107 00:04:06,349 --> 00:04:10,240 in what in what they need on the same 108 00:04:10,240 --> 00:04:12,407 topic as senior defense officials said 109 00:04:12,407 --> 00:04:14,129 yesterday , traveling with the 110 00:04:14,129 --> 00:04:16,296 secretary that they're optimistic that 111 00:04:16,296 --> 00:04:18,518 they will make progress on Germany with 112 00:04:18,518 --> 00:04:18,450 tanks by the end of the week ? And yet 113 00:04:18,460 --> 00:04:20,571 a senior administration official here 114 00:04:20,571 --> 00:04:22,571 tells us Germany is not budging and 115 00:04:22,571 --> 00:04:24,404 demands tank for tanks ? Are you 116 00:04:24,404 --> 00:04:26,516 optimistic that you will see progress 117 00:04:26,516 --> 00:04:28,627 by the end of the week with Germany ? 118 00:04:28,627 --> 00:04:30,627 Um , do you believe that's going to 119 00:04:30,627 --> 00:04:32,682 happen ? Or is it less optimistic at 120 00:04:32,682 --> 00:04:34,849 this point ? Well , you know , I don't 121 00:04:34,849 --> 00:04:36,904 have a crystal ball here to say what 122 00:04:36,904 --> 00:04:39,127 will or will won't happen by the end of 123 00:04:39,127 --> 00:04:41,016 the week . Um The secretary had a 124 00:04:41,016 --> 00:04:43,016 productive conversation um with his 125 00:04:43,016 --> 00:04:44,960 counterpart , The contact group is 126 00:04:44,960 --> 00:04:47,016 meeting tomorrow . So I'll leave any 127 00:04:47,016 --> 00:04:47,010 further announcements from other 128 00:04:47,020 --> 00:04:48,798 countries and other nations and 129 00:04:48,798 --> 00:04:51,350 partners and allies to them . Um But 130 00:04:51,360 --> 00:04:53,527 again , you know , we are thankful for 131 00:04:53,527 --> 00:04:55,193 what Germany has been able to 132 00:04:55,193 --> 00:04:57,416 contribute already . They sent infantry 133 00:04:57,416 --> 00:04:59,570 fighting vehicles um and a patriot 134 00:04:59,570 --> 00:05:02,210 missile battery system to Ukraine . Um 135 00:05:02,220 --> 00:05:04,442 And we're continuing to work with other 136 00:05:04,442 --> 00:05:06,664 partners and allies around the world to 137 00:05:06,664 --> 00:05:08,498 see what else can be provided to 138 00:05:08,498 --> 00:05:10,609 Ukraine . And that's that's the whole 139 00:05:10,609 --> 00:05:12,664 point of tomorrow's meeting . Yeah . 140 00:05:12,664 --> 00:05:14,664 And then I'll come to this room , I 141 00:05:14,664 --> 00:05:16,887 have two questions , the first one . So 142 00:05:16,887 --> 00:05:18,942 Ukraine's Defense Minister Reznikoff 143 00:05:18,942 --> 00:05:21,164 said uh Ukraine could use us weapons to 144 00:05:21,164 --> 00:05:23,590 attack Russia occupied Crimea . Um Is 145 00:05:23,590 --> 00:05:26,100 that concerning to the U . S . I mean 146 00:05:26,110 --> 00:05:28,530 Crimea is part of Ukraine . We've long 147 00:05:28,530 --> 00:05:30,586 held that position . We've said that 148 00:05:30,586 --> 00:05:32,586 that is um we certainly support the 149 00:05:32,586 --> 00:05:34,752 Ukrainians taking back their territory 150 00:05:34,752 --> 00:05:36,980 by any means that they can and what 151 00:05:36,980 --> 00:05:39,202 other whatever weapons they are using . 152 00:05:39,202 --> 00:05:41,730 So um again we have not shied away from 153 00:05:41,730 --> 00:05:43,508 stating that fact from the very 154 00:05:43,508 --> 00:05:46,540 beginning . Um Yes , yes , certainly . 155 00:05:46,550 --> 00:05:49,320 Um So the US has requested to send 156 00:05:49,320 --> 00:05:51,209 munitions from stockpiles in both 157 00:05:51,209 --> 00:05:54,180 Israel and South Korea . Um Why ? 158 00:05:54,860 --> 00:05:57,230 Well again , I mean we are supplying 159 00:05:57,230 --> 00:05:59,880 Ukraine um pretty regularly with 160 00:05:59,890 --> 00:06:02,020 different ammunitions , materials 161 00:06:02,020 --> 00:06:04,620 capabilities and equipment um and part 162 00:06:04,620 --> 00:06:06,980 of that is making sure that we can um 163 00:06:06,990 --> 00:06:10,130 do so quickly . And um we have been 164 00:06:10,130 --> 00:06:12,840 working with um , Rock and Israel when 165 00:06:12,840 --> 00:06:15,062 it comes to withdrawing from our stocks 166 00:06:15,062 --> 00:06:17,173 and um communicating that with them . 167 00:06:17,173 --> 00:06:19,229 But that doesn't mean it impacts our 168 00:06:19,229 --> 00:06:21,229 readiness , that doesn't impact our 169 00:06:21,229 --> 00:06:23,284 capabilities um to protect americans 170 00:06:23,284 --> 00:06:25,740 here at home or abroad . And so we feel 171 00:06:25,740 --> 00:06:28,930 confident on on what we have been able 172 00:06:28,930 --> 00:06:31,097 to withdraw and what we have been able 173 00:06:31,097 --> 00:06:33,319 to get to the Ukrainians . So is the us 174 00:06:33,319 --> 00:06:35,374 looking to send those musicians from 175 00:06:35,374 --> 00:06:37,374 other stockpiles in other countries 176 00:06:37,374 --> 00:06:39,374 because there's a lack of stockpile 177 00:06:39,374 --> 00:06:41,597 here in the U . S . No , I wouldn't say 178 00:06:41,597 --> 00:06:43,763 that . I mean the Secretary has always 179 00:06:43,763 --> 00:06:45,763 said we're not gonna drop below our 180 00:06:45,763 --> 00:06:47,930 readiness levels . Um but we also have 181 00:06:47,930 --> 00:06:50,097 to pull from different um , stockpiles 182 00:06:50,097 --> 00:06:51,930 from all around the world . That 183 00:06:51,930 --> 00:06:51,650 doesn't mean that , you know , 184 00:06:51,650 --> 00:06:53,872 everything is here in the United States 185 00:06:53,872 --> 00:06:56,120 or everything is in the Yukon a are we 186 00:06:56,120 --> 00:06:58,120 have to go to other sources , other 187 00:06:58,120 --> 00:07:00,342 places um to make sure that Ukraine has 188 00:07:00,342 --> 00:07:02,398 what it needs and to also be able to 189 00:07:02,398 --> 00:07:04,900 backfill our own stocks and um work on 190 00:07:04,900 --> 00:07:07,011 backfilling partners and allies . I'm 191 00:07:07,011 --> 00:07:09,067 gonna go to the phones and then I'll 192 00:07:09,067 --> 00:07:11,178 come over here . Um joe Gould Defense 193 00:07:11,178 --> 00:07:14,880 news . Thanks Sabrina um with the 194 00:07:14,880 --> 00:07:17,140 secretary pressing to have transfers of 195 00:07:17,150 --> 00:07:19,460 leopard Tuesday Ukraine ? Obviously 196 00:07:19,460 --> 00:07:21,627 countries are gonna have to decide for 197 00:07:21,627 --> 00:07:23,293 themselves and make their own 198 00:07:23,293 --> 00:07:24,960 announcements , but is it the 199 00:07:24,960 --> 00:07:27,920 secretary's objective to have a pool of 200 00:07:27,920 --> 00:07:30,690 countries they currently operate . The 201 00:07:30,700 --> 00:07:34,580 leo donating that tank um and 202 00:07:34,580 --> 00:07:37,560 parts and related training ? Well , 203 00:07:37,560 --> 00:07:39,790 there there are dozens of countries 204 00:07:39,790 --> 00:07:42,010 that have um the leopard tanks . I 205 00:07:42,010 --> 00:07:45,570 think that the secretaries um objective 206 00:07:45,570 --> 00:07:48,360 here is to secure and work with our 207 00:07:48,360 --> 00:07:52,110 partners and allies to get Ukraine um 208 00:07:52,120 --> 00:07:54,920 the capabilities and and the request 209 00:07:54,920 --> 00:07:57,370 that it has um for what it needs on the 210 00:07:57,370 --> 00:08:00,040 battlefield . Um That's why the contact 211 00:08:00,040 --> 00:08:02,530 group is so important . Um again 212 00:08:02,530 --> 00:08:04,586 tomorrow it's meeting for the eighth 213 00:08:04,586 --> 00:08:07,300 time . And these what you see when you 214 00:08:07,310 --> 00:08:09,970 when you um when the contact group's 215 00:08:09,980 --> 00:08:12,520 wrap up is usually some announcements 216 00:08:12,520 --> 00:08:14,464 from other nations , including the 217 00:08:14,464 --> 00:08:16,631 United States um on other capabilities 218 00:08:16,631 --> 00:08:18,940 and commitments to Ukraine . Um but 219 00:08:18,940 --> 00:08:21,240 again , Germany is just one of many 220 00:08:21,240 --> 00:08:23,570 countries that has the capability to 221 00:08:23,570 --> 00:08:26,200 provide the leopard tanks . There are 222 00:08:26,210 --> 00:08:28,377 other nations out there that have also 223 00:08:28,377 --> 00:08:30,730 um been discussed providing other tanks . 224 00:08:30,730 --> 00:08:32,841 And so I'll leave it to them to speak 225 00:08:32,841 --> 00:08:34,952 to um at the contact group tomorrow , 226 00:08:34,952 --> 00:08:37,119 I'm gonna take one more from the phone 227 00:08:37,119 --> 00:08:39,119 and then I'll come back in the room 228 00:08:39,119 --> 00:08:39,020 Alex , Horton Washington post 229 00:08:44,490 --> 00:08:45,768 Alex . Are you there ? 230 00:08:50,980 --> 00:08:54,920 We can hear you . It's been answered 231 00:08:54,950 --> 00:08:57,117 thanks . Oh , sorry . Great , thanks . 232 00:08:57,117 --> 00:08:59,061 Ok , I'll come there . Yes jenny , 233 00:08:59,061 --> 00:09:02,080 thank you . I have a question for on 234 00:09:02,080 --> 00:09:05,820 the redeployment of tactical nuclear 235 00:09:05,820 --> 00:09:09,690 weapons into South Korea yesterday , 236 00:09:09,690 --> 00:09:12,720 the U . S . Center for Strategic 237 00:09:12,730 --> 00:09:16,710 Studies pointed out that South Korea's 238 00:09:16,720 --> 00:09:20,290 anxiety over extended deterrence is 239 00:09:20,290 --> 00:09:23,120 glowing arguing that at the two 240 00:09:23,130 --> 00:09:25,240 countries , I mean U . S . And South 241 00:09:25,240 --> 00:09:28,930 Korea needed to review Mark exercise 242 00:09:28,940 --> 00:09:32,590 in preparations for the possibility of 243 00:09:32,590 --> 00:09:35,820 redeploying low level nuclear weapons 244 00:09:35,830 --> 00:09:39,300 to South Korea at some point in the 245 00:09:39,300 --> 00:09:43,280 future . How does the pentagon view the 246 00:09:43,290 --> 00:09:46,430 possibility of deploying tactical 247 00:09:46,430 --> 00:09:49,170 nuclear weapons in South Korea ? Well , 248 00:09:49,170 --> 00:09:51,392 we've been committed and said this from 249 00:09:51,400 --> 00:09:53,730 uh for a while that we support the 250 00:09:53,730 --> 00:09:55,952 complete denuclearization of the korean 251 00:09:55,952 --> 00:09:58,610 peninsula . Um , we've seen North Korea 252 00:09:58,610 --> 00:10:02,400 continue to engage in um destabilizing 253 00:10:02,410 --> 00:10:05,480 tests in the last few months . But our 254 00:10:05,480 --> 00:10:08,340 commitment to rock remains ironclad . 255 00:10:08,350 --> 00:10:10,190 We are gonna continue to conduct 256 00:10:10,200 --> 00:10:12,730 exercises with them as we do on routine 257 00:10:12,740 --> 00:10:14,962 and not just with rock , but we've done 258 00:10:14,962 --> 00:10:17,129 trilateral exercises before . Um , but 259 00:10:17,129 --> 00:10:19,280 our our commitment , our hope is that 260 00:10:19,280 --> 00:10:21,502 there is a complete denuclearization of 261 00:10:21,502 --> 00:10:24,370 the korean peninsula recently , North 262 00:10:24,370 --> 00:10:28,070 Korea nuclear , the nuclear power 263 00:10:28,070 --> 00:10:31,940 states and china failed to stop North 264 00:10:31,940 --> 00:10:34,120 Korea's nuclear development . 265 00:10:34,450 --> 00:10:38,240 Uh Secretary Austin 266 00:10:38,250 --> 00:10:41,830 visit to South Korea next week with 267 00:10:41,840 --> 00:10:45,450 here , discuss these nuclear issues 268 00:10:45,460 --> 00:10:49,190 during his visit . And so so yes , as 269 00:10:49,190 --> 00:10:51,246 you mentioned , he is traveling next 270 00:10:51,246 --> 00:10:53,301 week or I'm sorry , not nec with the 271 00:10:53,301 --> 00:10:55,357 following week . Um , you know , I'm 272 00:10:55,357 --> 00:10:57,412 not gonna get ahead of the secretary 273 00:10:57,412 --> 00:10:59,634 and what he plans to say on that trip . 274 00:10:59,634 --> 00:11:01,801 But certainly an opportunity to deepen 275 00:11:01,801 --> 00:11:03,912 ties within the region . But um as we 276 00:11:03,912 --> 00:11:05,912 get closer to that trip , I'll have 277 00:11:05,912 --> 00:11:07,912 more to read out then . But I think 278 00:11:07,912 --> 00:11:07,895 what you will hear from the secretary 279 00:11:07,895 --> 00:11:10,006 that should be of no surprise is just 280 00:11:10,006 --> 00:11:12,550 our deep commitment um , to South Korea 281 00:11:12,550 --> 00:11:13,994 and our commitment to the 282 00:11:13,994 --> 00:11:15,717 denuclearization of the korean 283 00:11:15,717 --> 00:11:17,883 peninsula . Um and our commitment to , 284 00:11:17,883 --> 00:11:19,994 you know , continuing to have our our 285 00:11:19,994 --> 00:11:22,050 forces in that A . R but nothing for 286 00:11:22,050 --> 00:11:24,050 you today to preview on that trip . 287 00:11:24,050 --> 00:11:26,106 Thank you . Great . Thanks . Sabrina 288 00:11:26,106 --> 00:11:28,050 does the us intend to make its own 289 00:11:28,050 --> 00:11:30,272 announcement about a new aid package as 290 00:11:30,272 --> 00:11:32,328 part of the contact group meeting um 291 00:11:32,328 --> 00:11:36,200 this week . And if so should we um uh 292 00:11:36,210 --> 00:11:38,321 suppose that it's going to track with 293 00:11:38,321 --> 00:11:41,420 earlier um aid packages and have 294 00:11:41,430 --> 00:11:43,660 armored vehicles or equipment that 295 00:11:43,660 --> 00:11:45,827 allow the Ukrainians to like shoot and 296 00:11:45,827 --> 00:11:48,049 move on the battlefield similar to what 297 00:11:48,049 --> 00:11:50,104 doctors call described yesterday . I 298 00:11:50,104 --> 00:11:51,993 feel like you've seen some of the 299 00:11:51,993 --> 00:11:54,216 reporting that I've seen out there . Um 300 00:11:54,216 --> 00:11:56,327 I you know , I'll be completely frank 301 00:11:56,327 --> 00:11:58,438 with you . I have nothing to announce 302 00:11:58,438 --> 00:12:00,271 here today . We should expect um 303 00:12:00,271 --> 00:12:02,327 another security package coming soon 304 00:12:02,327 --> 00:12:05,280 but um still nothing to announce from 305 00:12:05,290 --> 00:12:07,810 from this podium at this moment . Um 306 00:12:07,820 --> 00:12:09,931 Not going to get ahead of also what's 307 00:12:09,931 --> 00:12:12,098 in that package , but we know that the 308 00:12:12,098 --> 00:12:14,153 Ukrainians have continued to ask for 309 00:12:14,153 --> 00:12:16,530 one of their main priorities is um more 310 00:12:16,530 --> 00:12:18,850 armored vehicles , air defense systems 311 00:12:18,850 --> 00:12:21,250 and so um each package as you've seen 312 00:12:21,250 --> 00:12:23,490 sort of matches , um some of their 313 00:12:23,490 --> 00:12:26,460 their biggest needs and and um requests 314 00:12:26,460 --> 00:12:28,793 and so I'd expect with the next package , 315 00:12:28,793 --> 00:12:30,849 you see something like that . Yeah . 316 00:12:30,849 --> 00:12:33,071 Great . Yes , I'm sorry , I don't think 317 00:12:33,071 --> 00:12:35,293 we've met before Laura came from french 318 00:12:35,293 --> 00:12:37,460 tv what's happening in Ukraine . Thank 319 00:12:37,460 --> 00:12:39,571 you so much to take my question . Why 320 00:12:39,571 --> 00:12:41,738 don't you answer to President Zelensky 321 00:12:41,738 --> 00:12:43,627 and the Ukrainians who are asking 322 00:12:43,627 --> 00:12:46,560 repeatedly for F 16 ? So 323 00:12:46,570 --> 00:12:49,010 Ukrainians have asked for for many , 324 00:12:49,010 --> 00:12:52,590 many things um with every aid package 325 00:12:52,590 --> 00:12:54,757 that we assemble and put together , We 326 00:12:54,757 --> 00:12:56,979 are in close contact with our Ukrainian 327 00:12:56,979 --> 00:12:59,640 uh counterparts . Again , we are 328 00:12:59,640 --> 00:13:01,751 providing them what we think they are 329 00:13:01,751 --> 00:13:03,918 capable of operating , maintaining and 330 00:13:03,918 --> 00:13:06,620 sustaining . Um the F 16 is very 331 00:13:06,620 --> 00:13:09,450 complicated system . Um so we have been , 332 00:13:09,460 --> 00:13:11,620 you know , very careful and and and 333 00:13:11,630 --> 00:13:13,408 assessing what they need on the 334 00:13:13,408 --> 00:13:15,408 battlefield right now . And I think 335 00:13:15,408 --> 00:13:17,408 you'll see that in the next package 336 00:13:17,408 --> 00:13:20,945 that's coming soon on North Korea , 337 00:13:21,205 --> 00:13:23,595 does the pentagon still assess North 338 00:13:23,595 --> 00:13:26,085 Korea is ready to conduct a nuclear 339 00:13:26,085 --> 00:13:28,665 test at any moment ? Our assessment 340 00:13:28,665 --> 00:13:31,045 hasn't changed since last summer . 341 00:13:31,045 --> 00:13:34,930 We've been , we continue to monitor 342 00:13:34,930 --> 00:13:37,152 what is what is happening over there in 343 00:13:37,152 --> 00:13:39,940 North Korea and standing by if if there 344 00:13:39,940 --> 00:13:42,020 should be such a test . I think they 345 00:13:42,020 --> 00:13:44,242 have shown that they're willing to do a 346 00:13:44,242 --> 00:13:46,298 test at any time . Um and we will be 347 00:13:46,298 --> 00:13:48,131 ready to of course work with our 348 00:13:48,131 --> 00:13:50,242 partners and allies in the region and 349 00:13:50,242 --> 00:13:51,909 any response . Do you see any 350 00:13:51,909 --> 00:13:54,020 particular reason why North Korea has 351 00:13:54,020 --> 00:13:56,355 not done a nuclear test despite the 352 00:13:56,365 --> 00:13:59,525 fact that the preparations seems to be 353 00:13:59,605 --> 00:14:01,855 completed more than a half year ago . I 354 00:14:01,855 --> 00:14:03,966 don't know that I can get in the head 355 00:14:03,966 --> 00:14:06,725 of North korean leaders there . You'd 356 00:14:06,725 --> 00:14:08,947 have to ask them why they have not done 357 00:14:08,947 --> 00:14:11,169 the test . I have no reason to indicate 358 00:14:11,169 --> 00:14:13,390 either way of a reason . Great . Yes . 359 00:14:14,550 --> 00:14:16,717 So the Turkish foreign minister was in 360 00:14:16,717 --> 00:14:18,717 Washington D . C . Yesterday and he 361 00:14:18,717 --> 00:14:20,780 said that the greek government is 362 00:14:20,780 --> 00:14:22,947 militarizing islands in the Aegean Sea 363 00:14:22,947 --> 00:14:25,113 with the help of the United States and 364 00:14:25,113 --> 00:14:27,450 deploying U . S . Armored vehicles on 365 00:14:27,450 --> 00:14:29,617 some of these islands . First of all , 366 00:14:29,617 --> 00:14:31,890 can the Department of Defense either 367 00:14:31,890 --> 00:14:34,696 confirm or deny ? I would have to look 368 00:14:34,696 --> 00:14:36,796 into that . I'm not aware of some of 369 00:14:36,796 --> 00:14:39,018 this reporting that you're mentioning . 370 00:14:39,018 --> 00:14:41,074 So I'm happy to take that question . 371 00:14:41,074 --> 00:14:43,129 The United States believe that those 372 00:14:43,129 --> 00:14:45,296 islands is claiming that should remain 373 00:14:45,296 --> 00:14:46,963 demilitarized , should remain 374 00:14:46,963 --> 00:14:49,018 demilitarized . We're not seeking to 375 00:14:49,176 --> 00:14:51,287 see a conflict in that region . These 376 00:14:51,287 --> 00:14:53,176 are NATO allies that we work with 377 00:14:53,176 --> 00:14:56,782 frequently . Um so I you know , I'm not 378 00:14:56,782 --> 00:14:58,949 going to speak to that and speak to an 379 00:14:58,949 --> 00:15:00,949 opinion of a different country here 380 00:15:00,949 --> 00:15:03,004 from this podium . What I can say is 381 00:15:03,004 --> 00:15:05,060 that we'll continue to work with our 382 00:15:05,060 --> 00:15:07,171 allies in the region . We have troops 383 00:15:07,171 --> 00:15:09,393 stationed very close by . But I'm happy 384 00:15:09,393 --> 00:15:11,504 to take your first question on that . 385 00:15:11,504 --> 00:15:14,020 Just last one question then , can then 386 00:15:14,020 --> 00:15:16,460 the Department of Defense say for sure 387 00:15:16,460 --> 00:15:18,560 that , are there any U . S . Armored 388 00:15:18,560 --> 00:15:21,800 vehicles , personnel , any US equipment 389 00:15:21,800 --> 00:15:23,633 that is belonging to the U . S . 390 00:15:23,633 --> 00:15:25,856 Military on any islands in the agency . 391 00:15:25,856 --> 00:15:27,800 Well , I think you just asked that 392 00:15:27,800 --> 00:15:29,967 question in your first question . I'll 393 00:15:29,967 --> 00:15:29,830 take that question . So I'd have to get 394 00:15:29,830 --> 00:15:32,270 back , I'm going to have to get back to 395 00:15:32,270 --> 00:15:34,214 you on that . I just don't have an 396 00:15:34,214 --> 00:15:36,437 answer for you from here at this time . 397 00:15:36,437 --> 00:15:39,570 Yes questions about US Japan security 398 00:15:39,570 --> 00:15:41,626 conservative committees according to 399 00:15:41,626 --> 00:15:44,400 plus two heard last Wednesday , the 400 00:15:44,410 --> 00:15:46,300 joint statement issued after the 401 00:15:46,300 --> 00:15:49,080 meeting didn't mention the need to 402 00:15:49,080 --> 00:15:51,880 revise the guidelines for US Japan 403 00:15:51,880 --> 00:15:54,785 Defense Corporation which provides the 404 00:15:54,795 --> 00:15:57,705 framework of laws and missions of US 405 00:15:57,705 --> 00:16:00,975 Japan alliance . What would be the U . 406 00:16:00,975 --> 00:16:03,305 S . Position on whether it's necessary 407 00:16:03,315 --> 00:16:06,525 to revise these guidelines for US Japan 408 00:16:06,525 --> 00:16:09,960 defense cooperation after Japan 409 00:16:09,970 --> 00:16:13,300 changed the strategic documents . Well , 410 00:16:13,300 --> 00:16:15,640 we were very pleased and welcomed the 411 00:16:15,650 --> 00:16:17,770 defense strategy that Japan recently 412 00:16:17,770 --> 00:16:20,100 announced just before the visit here in 413 00:16:20,100 --> 00:16:22,630 the United States . We welcome the 414 00:16:22,630 --> 00:16:24,690 release of their national security 415 00:16:24,705 --> 00:16:27,005 documents um and we see that as an 416 00:16:27,005 --> 00:16:29,985 opportunity to build on the strong 417 00:16:29,985 --> 00:16:32,395 alliance um that bolsters regional 418 00:16:32,395 --> 00:16:35,075 deterrence there and um you know , the 419 00:16:35,075 --> 00:16:37,242 announcements that were made at the at 420 00:16:37,242 --> 00:16:39,935 the two plus two just last week , I 421 00:16:39,935 --> 00:16:42,350 think highlight that um we have no 422 00:16:42,350 --> 00:16:44,517 plans to update the defense guidelines 423 00:16:44,517 --> 00:16:47,400 at this time . Um but you know , as you 424 00:16:47,400 --> 00:16:50,930 saw last last week um it's a very 425 00:16:50,930 --> 00:16:53,041 deep alliance that we have with Japan 426 00:16:53,041 --> 00:16:55,041 and looking forward to working with 427 00:16:55,041 --> 00:16:57,097 them in the future . I'm gonna go to 428 00:16:57,097 --> 00:16:59,430 the phones and then I'll come back . Um , 429 00:16:59,430 --> 00:17:03,120 uh , Lara Seligman politico Hi , 430 00:17:03,120 --> 00:17:05,287 Sabrina . Thanks for doing this . Um , 431 00:17:05,287 --> 00:17:07,509 I have two questions . One is about the 432 00:17:07,509 --> 00:17:09,676 combined arms training in Germany , is 433 00:17:09,676 --> 00:17:11,620 that training going to incorporate 434 00:17:11,620 --> 00:17:14,750 these new takes from Britain and um , 435 00:17:14,750 --> 00:17:16,670 any other countries that may be 436 00:17:16,670 --> 00:17:19,500 donating them as well as the Bradleys . 437 00:17:19,510 --> 00:17:22,640 And then my second question is on long 438 00:17:22,640 --> 00:17:24,640 range , longer range munitions . Is 439 00:17:24,640 --> 00:17:26,696 that something that is still off the 440 00:17:26,696 --> 00:17:29,800 table ? Um , in terms of your first 441 00:17:29,800 --> 00:17:32,410 question , our european allies and 442 00:17:32,410 --> 00:17:34,354 partners have been doing their own 443 00:17:34,354 --> 00:17:36,310 training when it comes to training 444 00:17:36,310 --> 00:17:39,560 Ukrainian troops . So our combined arms 445 00:17:39,570 --> 00:17:41,792 training is right now just focus on the 446 00:17:41,792 --> 00:17:43,903 Bradleys . I don't anticipate that it 447 00:17:43,903 --> 00:17:46,600 would incorporate other , um , tanks or , 448 00:17:46,600 --> 00:17:49,400 or other equipment at this time , but 449 00:17:49,400 --> 00:17:51,400 if that changes , you know , I'd be 450 00:17:51,400 --> 00:17:53,567 happy to follow up with you . Um , and 451 00:17:53,567 --> 00:17:55,122 then in terms of long range 452 00:17:55,122 --> 00:17:57,289 capabilities , I mean , we've provided 453 00:17:57,289 --> 00:17:59,233 the Patriot as you've seen , we've 454 00:17:59,233 --> 00:18:01,122 provided , um , Ukrainians with a 455 00:18:01,122 --> 00:18:04,010 layered defense of air capabilities 456 00:18:04,010 --> 00:18:06,430 from short to long range . Um , and the 457 00:18:06,430 --> 00:18:08,430 Ukrainians are using those , well , 458 00:18:08,430 --> 00:18:10,541 they're using them effectively . Um , 459 00:18:10,541 --> 00:18:12,486 or , and , and especially when the 460 00:18:12,486 --> 00:18:14,708 Patriot is in country , they'll be able 461 00:18:14,708 --> 00:18:16,930 to knit those together , um , to create 462 00:18:16,930 --> 00:18:20,430 a very , um , highly 463 00:18:20,440 --> 00:18:24,370 defensible error . Um , that 464 00:18:24,380 --> 00:18:26,940 I think they're , they're doing so 465 00:18:26,940 --> 00:18:29,162 effectively as they are right now . But 466 00:18:29,162 --> 00:18:31,162 with the Patriot , there will be an 467 00:18:31,162 --> 00:18:33,273 added capability , um , that can help 468 00:18:33,273 --> 00:18:35,640 protect , uh , major cities and , and 469 00:18:35,650 --> 00:18:38,410 innocent civilians . Um , in this war , 470 00:18:39,270 --> 00:18:41,381 I'm gonna take one more question from 471 00:18:41,381 --> 00:18:43,470 the phone . Howard Altman ? Yes , 472 00:18:43,470 --> 00:18:46,300 thanks . I have a question and I have a 473 00:18:46,310 --> 00:18:48,610 request . The question is the way the 474 00:18:48,610 --> 00:18:50,850 group claims that it is captured the 475 00:18:50,850 --> 00:18:53,050 town of , which is about five miles 476 00:18:53,050 --> 00:18:55,290 south of buck mood . Can you confirm 477 00:18:55,290 --> 00:18:57,710 that ? And tell me how that might 478 00:18:57,710 --> 00:19:00,560 affect the defense of Mahmoud and Solid 479 00:19:00,560 --> 00:19:02,893 R and then I have a request . I'm sorry . 480 00:19:02,893 --> 00:19:05,190 Howard ? You sort of , or for me at 481 00:19:05,190 --> 00:19:07,560 least cut out on what city or town did 482 00:19:07,560 --> 00:19:09,449 you mention that was specifically 483 00:19:09,449 --> 00:19:11,616 captured clips chief to , it's a small 484 00:19:11,616 --> 00:19:13,590 town about five miles south of 485 00:19:13,590 --> 00:19:16,700 bahsmahmoud . I see . Okay . Um , I 486 00:19:16,700 --> 00:19:18,950 don't have an update on specifically on 487 00:19:18,960 --> 00:19:21,590 that , um , on that town . But what I 488 00:19:21,590 --> 00:19:24,170 can say is that we're still continuing 489 00:19:24,170 --> 00:19:28,150 to see , uh , intense fighting 490 00:19:28,160 --> 00:19:30,271 on both sides from the Ukrainians and 491 00:19:30,271 --> 00:19:33,730 Russians in um , and around back mood 492 00:19:33,740 --> 00:19:37,200 and solid are , um , it is , it is 493 00:19:37,210 --> 00:19:40,800 blocks to , uh , you know , kilometers 494 00:19:40,800 --> 00:19:43,420 every day that continue to change hands . 495 00:19:43,430 --> 00:19:45,790 Um , but the Ukrainians are not giving 496 00:19:45,790 --> 00:19:47,734 up their fight and neither are the 497 00:19:47,734 --> 00:19:49,901 Russians , they're really dug into the 498 00:19:49,901 --> 00:19:52,012 ground right now to the battlefield . 499 00:19:52,012 --> 00:19:54,012 Um , and right now we know that the 500 00:19:54,012 --> 00:19:57,610 weather in Ukraine . The um , it is , I 501 00:19:57,610 --> 00:20:00,640 see it is wintry . So the roads are , 502 00:20:00,650 --> 00:20:02,983 or the ground is a bit more frozen over , 503 00:20:02,983 --> 00:20:05,580 which allows for vehicles to move 504 00:20:05,580 --> 00:20:08,280 around a bit more with more 505 00:20:08,280 --> 00:20:10,840 maneuverability . But again , this is a 506 00:20:10,840 --> 00:20:13,810 grinding um fight that we're seeing in 507 00:20:13,810 --> 00:20:17,480 the east and I don't have more really 508 00:20:17,480 --> 00:20:19,536 more to update you on that . It just 509 00:20:19,536 --> 00:20:22,910 continues to be a grinding fight . I'll 510 00:20:22,910 --> 00:20:25,077 take , sorry , I'll take one more from 511 00:20:25,077 --> 00:20:27,299 the phone here , Jeff showgirl task and 512 00:20:27,299 --> 00:20:29,299 purpose can you can the pentagon do 513 00:20:29,299 --> 00:20:30,910 something about providing uh 514 00:20:30,910 --> 00:20:33,077 communications for those of us who are 515 00:20:33,077 --> 00:20:35,077 not in the building during the time 516 00:20:35,077 --> 00:20:37,188 that the PBR is closed . I mean , you 517 00:20:37,188 --> 00:20:39,790 got a budget of $800 billion . Uh , is 518 00:20:39,790 --> 00:20:42,012 there any way to find some money on the 519 00:20:42,012 --> 00:20:44,234 account of the company to provide , you 520 00:20:44,234 --> 00:20:46,457 know , secure communications so that we 521 00:20:46,457 --> 00:20:48,401 can participate in briefings going 522 00:20:48,401 --> 00:20:50,568 forward , Jeff ? I'll have to get back 523 00:20:50,568 --> 00:20:52,679 to you on that one . I um I know that 524 00:20:52,679 --> 00:20:54,568 we are doing some updates to this 525 00:20:54,568 --> 00:20:57,000 lovely pentagon briefing room . Um , 526 00:20:57,000 --> 00:20:59,222 and you know , we'll follow up with you 527 00:20:59,222 --> 00:21:01,333 offline on that . I'll come back into 528 00:21:01,333 --> 00:21:03,333 the room . Yeah , Brandy , I have a 529 00:21:03,333 --> 00:21:05,111 follow up on Ukraine and then a 530 00:21:05,111 --> 00:21:07,333 question on a new topic on Ukraine . Um 531 00:21:07,333 --> 00:21:10,560 did dr call meet with or was Secretary 532 00:21:10,560 --> 00:21:12,782 Austin supposed to meet with any of the 533 00:21:12,782 --> 00:21:15,070 Ukrainian officials um the internal 534 00:21:15,070 --> 00:21:16,850 ministers who perished in the 535 00:21:16,850 --> 00:21:19,017 helicopter crash . And did that affect 536 00:21:19,020 --> 00:21:21,187 the contact group meeting in any way . 537 00:21:21,230 --> 00:21:23,530 I'm not aware that it affected the 538 00:21:23,530 --> 00:21:25,474 contact group . I mean the contact 539 00:21:25,474 --> 00:21:27,697 group was going forward . But of course 540 00:21:27,697 --> 00:21:29,808 we offer our deepest condolences as , 541 00:21:29,808 --> 00:21:31,808 as we've seen the reports that more 542 00:21:31,808 --> 00:21:34,086 than a dozen people were killed and um , 543 00:21:34,086 --> 00:21:36,320 many more injured . So I wouldn't be 544 00:21:36,320 --> 00:21:38,653 able to say any anything more than that . 545 00:21:38,653 --> 00:21:40,780 Thank you . And then , um , this is 546 00:21:40,780 --> 00:21:43,570 sort of a two in one politico reported 547 00:21:43,580 --> 00:21:46,380 that Pentagon officials and officials 548 00:21:46,380 --> 00:21:48,436 from other agencies are attending an 549 00:21:48,436 --> 00:21:50,760 event hosted by Nasa right now . I 550 00:21:50,760 --> 00:21:54,370 think this week on their ongoing you Ap 551 00:21:54,480 --> 00:21:57,760 investigations and they reported that D . 552 00:21:57,760 --> 00:21:59,927 O . D . S . Arrow office has partnered 553 00:21:59,927 --> 00:22:02,220 with Enigma Labs , a startup that uses 554 00:22:02,220 --> 00:22:04,820 machine learning to make sense of UFO 555 00:22:04,820 --> 00:22:07,660 data . And so can you tell us who from 556 00:22:07,660 --> 00:22:09,660 the Pentagon is attending that Nasa 557 00:22:09,660 --> 00:22:13,040 event ? And what does d . O . D aim to 558 00:22:13,040 --> 00:22:15,096 get out of this new partnership with 559 00:22:15,096 --> 00:22:17,340 Enigma ? Perhaps I would have to take 560 00:22:17,340 --> 00:22:19,562 that question . I'm sorry . I don't , I 561 00:22:19,562 --> 00:22:21,729 don't have the answers for you on that 562 00:22:21,729 --> 00:22:21,340 one . So I'll take that and get back to 563 00:22:21,340 --> 00:22:24,220 you . Yeah , over here a question , 564 00:22:24,220 --> 00:22:26,442 Ukraine and the Japan question . Okay . 565 00:22:26,442 --> 00:22:28,053 Um , earlier this week , the 566 00:22:28,053 --> 00:22:30,276 Netherlands announced that they're also 567 00:22:30,276 --> 00:22:32,220 sending a patriot Battery three is 568 00:22:32,220 --> 00:22:34,164 going to the contact group meeting 569 00:22:34,164 --> 00:22:35,998 tomorrow is the U . S . Gonna be 570 00:22:35,998 --> 00:22:38,164 scouring trying to get other operators 571 00:22:38,164 --> 00:22:40,387 to um , donate more batteries . And how 572 00:22:40,387 --> 00:22:42,220 is that discussion ? Focusing on 573 00:22:42,220 --> 00:22:44,164 training as us worked out with the 574 00:22:44,164 --> 00:22:46,220 Netherlands to provide more training 575 00:22:46,220 --> 00:22:46,170 inside the U . S . Well , I don't want 576 00:22:46,170 --> 00:22:48,170 to get ahead of the discussions are 577 00:22:48,170 --> 00:22:50,003 happening tomorrow , as you just 578 00:22:50,003 --> 00:22:52,530 mentioned . Um I think we welcome any 579 00:22:52,540 --> 00:22:54,707 additional commitment when it comes to 580 00:22:54,707 --> 00:22:56,484 giving Ukraine more air defense 581 00:22:56,484 --> 00:22:58,810 capability from any country or any 582 00:22:58,810 --> 00:23:01,290 partner . Um and so in terms of the 583 00:23:01,290 --> 00:23:04,520 training and and whether our 584 00:23:04,530 --> 00:23:08,100 our teams would train on the pay 585 00:23:08,110 --> 00:23:09,888 patriot battery provided by the 586 00:23:09,888 --> 00:23:11,832 Netherlands , I just don't have an 587 00:23:11,832 --> 00:23:13,666 answer for you on that . Um many 588 00:23:13,666 --> 00:23:15,888 countries do conduct their own training 589 00:23:15,888 --> 00:23:17,888 as we've seen from the beginning of 590 00:23:17,888 --> 00:23:19,888 this war . So , um I think what the 591 00:23:19,888 --> 00:23:22,420 secretary is looking for tomorrow is um 592 00:23:22,430 --> 00:23:24,652 further commitments from other partners 593 00:23:24,652 --> 00:23:27,080 and allies to help Ukraine . Um and 594 00:23:27,080 --> 00:23:29,550 that is up to those sovereign states to 595 00:23:29,550 --> 00:23:31,661 decide what what commitments they can 596 00:23:31,661 --> 00:23:33,772 give . But of course we know that air 597 00:23:33,772 --> 00:23:35,606 capability is one of them or air 598 00:23:35,606 --> 00:23:37,828 defense is one of them . Do you know if 599 00:23:37,828 --> 00:23:37,590 the three committed ones are all the 600 00:23:37,590 --> 00:23:40,170 same variant ? I don't I don't know . 601 00:23:40,180 --> 00:23:44,060 And Japan before the meeting last week , 602 00:23:44,070 --> 00:23:46,126 we had heard about the Marine Marine 603 00:23:46,126 --> 00:23:48,292 Regiment in Okinawa at the same time , 604 00:23:48,292 --> 00:23:50,500 the Air Force has pulled out a 15 unit 605 00:23:50,670 --> 00:23:52,892 in Kadena , do you know if that came up 606 00:23:52,892 --> 00:23:55,059 in the discussion is the future of the 607 00:23:55,059 --> 00:23:57,226 U . S . Air presence in Okinawa . Um I 608 00:23:57,226 --> 00:23:59,392 don't I don't know that that came up , 609 00:23:59,392 --> 00:24:01,559 but I think that you saw last week the 610 00:24:01,559 --> 00:24:03,559 deep commitment that we have to the 611 00:24:03,559 --> 00:24:06,770 region . Um and part of that was was 612 00:24:06,780 --> 00:24:08,870 discussed in the Secretary's meeting 613 00:24:08,870 --> 00:24:11,092 and the Secretary of State's meeting at 614 00:24:11,092 --> 00:24:13,148 the Department of State . So um that 615 00:24:13,148 --> 00:24:15,370 does not impact the relationship or the 616 00:24:15,370 --> 00:24:18,570 readiness or the threat uh in that 617 00:24:18,570 --> 00:24:20,480 region . Yeah , I'm not welcome . 618 00:24:20,490 --> 00:24:22,601 Thanks . I just had a quick follow up 619 00:24:22,601 --> 00:24:24,601 earlier question about the combined 620 00:24:24,601 --> 00:24:26,546 arms training the Ukrainians . And 621 00:24:26,546 --> 00:24:28,768 you're not sure anybody from the podium 622 00:24:28,768 --> 00:24:30,879 has confirmed whether that's begun or 623 00:24:30,879 --> 00:24:33,101 not . It has begun . Has confirmed that 624 00:24:33,101 --> 00:24:36,190 it has begun . It's about 5-600 625 00:24:36,190 --> 00:24:38,500 Ukrainians that are being trained in 626 00:24:38,500 --> 00:24:41,780 graph and beer and that I believe 627 00:24:41,790 --> 00:24:44,340 started this weekend , this past 628 00:24:44,340 --> 00:24:48,190 weekend . Yeah . So on on long range 629 00:24:48,190 --> 00:24:50,900 munitions , you mentioned patriots in 630 00:24:50,900 --> 00:24:53,880 your answer . So it's a it's man 631 00:24:53,890 --> 00:24:56,060 patriots are surface to air defensive 632 00:24:56,060 --> 00:24:59,250 missiles . But can you confirm that the 633 00:24:59,260 --> 00:25:01,080 longer range surface to surface 634 00:25:01,080 --> 00:25:02,691 missiles with more offensive 635 00:25:02,691 --> 00:25:04,990 capabilities are on the table or off 636 00:25:04,990 --> 00:25:07,340 the table ? I have , I'm not going to 637 00:25:07,340 --> 00:25:09,507 confirm anything . We haven't taken as 638 00:25:09,507 --> 00:25:11,396 these contact groups and as these 639 00:25:11,520 --> 00:25:13,480 presidential drawdown authorities 640 00:25:13,480 --> 00:25:15,930 packages come together . Nothing is on 641 00:25:15,930 --> 00:25:17,986 or off the table . It's a discussion 642 00:25:17,986 --> 00:25:20,208 that we have here at the department and 643 00:25:20,208 --> 00:25:22,850 across the inter agency to determine um 644 00:25:22,860 --> 00:25:26,680 what the Ukrainians need and to also 645 00:25:26,690 --> 00:25:28,870 maintain our own readiness . So I just 646 00:25:28,870 --> 00:25:31,092 don't have anything further out at that 647 00:25:31,092 --> 00:25:33,340 point on Crimea . You say you didn't 648 00:25:33,340 --> 00:25:35,780 specifically mention that the United 649 00:25:35,780 --> 00:25:37,960 States because the story is coming out 650 00:25:37,970 --> 00:25:41,180 that the United States and Ukraine are 651 00:25:41,190 --> 00:25:44,340 discussing a potential Ukrainian plan 652 00:25:44,350 --> 00:25:47,450 for taking on Crimea . And he said , 653 00:25:47,450 --> 00:25:50,070 okay , Crimea is a part of Ukraine and 654 00:25:50,080 --> 00:25:52,024 generically United States supports 655 00:25:52,024 --> 00:25:53,913 Ukraine taking back his territory 656 00:25:53,913 --> 00:25:56,080 specifically . Is there any kind of US 657 00:25:56,080 --> 00:25:59,300 advice with respect to taking on with 658 00:25:59,300 --> 00:26:02,240 respect to launching an offensive on 659 00:26:02,250 --> 00:26:05,200 Crimea to take the Russians ? Are you 660 00:26:05,200 --> 00:26:07,680 asking if the Ukrainians are consulting 661 00:26:07,680 --> 00:26:11,020 with us ? You give you advice endorse 662 00:26:11,300 --> 00:26:14,480 such an operation on we don't dictate 663 00:26:14,490 --> 00:26:16,434 to the Ukrainians how to run their 664 00:26:16,434 --> 00:26:18,379 operations . That has been said by 665 00:26:18,379 --> 00:26:20,712 multiple people here at this department . 666 00:26:20,712 --> 00:26:22,934 The Ukrainians make the decisions about 667 00:26:22,934 --> 00:26:25,101 their operations and when they conduct 668 00:26:25,101 --> 00:26:27,046 them , Crimea is part of Ukraine . 669 00:26:27,046 --> 00:26:27,000 We've made that very clear from the 670 00:26:27,000 --> 00:26:29,111 beginning . If they decide to conduct 671 00:26:29,111 --> 00:26:31,444 an operation within Crimea there ? Well , 672 00:26:31,444 --> 00:26:33,333 in their back that is a that is a 673 00:26:33,333 --> 00:26:35,389 sovereign part of their country that 674 00:26:35,389 --> 00:26:37,722 was illegally invaded by Russia in 2014 . 675 00:26:37,722 --> 00:26:39,944 They have every right to take that back 676 00:26:39,944 --> 00:26:39,870 in . The United States is ready to 677 00:26:39,870 --> 00:26:42,092 support that operation on that specific 678 00:26:42,092 --> 00:26:44,890 chunk of land ? I mean , what do you 679 00:26:44,890 --> 00:26:47,057 mean by support ? Their operation were 680 00:26:47,057 --> 00:26:49,223 not on the ground . There are no boots 681 00:26:49,223 --> 00:26:51,279 on the ground there . So what do you 682 00:26:51,279 --> 00:26:51,080 what do you mean militarily ? Whatever 683 00:26:51,080 --> 00:26:54,120 capability needed to take that chunk of 684 00:26:54,130 --> 00:26:56,320 peninsula back from Russians ? United 685 00:26:56,320 --> 00:26:58,630 States is going to be there . You've 686 00:26:58,630 --> 00:27:00,630 seen the United States be there for 687 00:27:00,630 --> 00:27:03,140 Ukraine . And the this Department has 688 00:27:03,140 --> 00:27:05,251 said that we will be with Ukraine for 689 00:27:05,251 --> 00:27:07,307 as long as it takes that includes an 690 00:27:07,307 --> 00:27:09,529 operation in Crimea that is a that is a 691 00:27:09,529 --> 00:27:11,529 sovereign part of their country and 692 00:27:11,529 --> 00:27:13,862 they have every right to take that back . 693 00:27:13,862 --> 00:27:16,029 I'll take one more and then we'll wrap 694 00:27:16,029 --> 00:27:18,860 up real quick on the subject of air 695 00:27:18,860 --> 00:27:21,080 defense batteries for Ukraine . It was 696 00:27:21,080 --> 00:27:23,136 reported last month that the U . S . 697 00:27:23,136 --> 00:27:25,191 Would seek to source from the Middle 698 00:27:25,191 --> 00:27:27,247 East . I'm just wondering if there's 699 00:27:27,247 --> 00:27:29,469 any deliberate in the department or any 700 00:27:29,469 --> 00:27:31,524 effort underway to source additional 701 00:27:31,524 --> 00:27:33,413 air defense assets from from that 702 00:27:33,413 --> 00:27:35,469 region . I wouldn't comment on where 703 00:27:35,469 --> 00:27:37,524 we're sourcing some of this . I mean 704 00:27:37,524 --> 00:27:40,190 the part of our USa I package to those 705 00:27:40,190 --> 00:27:42,520 go under contract and then get 706 00:27:42,520 --> 00:27:44,353 delivered into Ukraine , they're 707 00:27:44,353 --> 00:27:46,670 already to operating right now in 708 00:27:46,670 --> 00:27:48,837 Ukraine . I believe our commitment has 709 00:27:48,837 --> 00:27:51,470 been a total of eight . So I just 710 00:27:51,480 --> 00:27:53,702 wouldn't be able to comment any further 711 00:27:53,702 --> 00:27:55,813 on that . And if I could just ask the 712 00:27:55,813 --> 00:27:58,036 National Security advisor was in Israel 713 00:27:58,036 --> 00:28:00,258 I think probably still is at the moment 714 00:28:00,258 --> 00:28:02,600 to discuss topping the agenda the you 715 00:28:02,600 --> 00:28:05,070 know , threats by Iran just wondering 716 00:28:05,070 --> 00:28:07,292 if it was mentioned previously that one 717 00:28:07,292 --> 00:28:09,070 of the issues that are gonna be 718 00:28:09,070 --> 00:28:11,292 discussed tactical differences with the 719 00:28:11,292 --> 00:28:13,403 Israelis on how to deal with the same 720 00:28:13,403 --> 00:28:15,570 strategic threat of an Iranian nuclear 721 00:28:15,570 --> 00:28:17,681 weapon . I'm wondering if you tell us 722 00:28:17,681 --> 00:28:16,650 anything about those tactical 723 00:28:16,650 --> 00:28:18,817 differences and whether the department 724 00:28:18,817 --> 00:28:20,928 has been informed if there's been any 725 00:28:20,928 --> 00:28:23,150 progress from those discussions I would 726 00:28:23,150 --> 00:28:22,750 direct you to the White House , as you 727 00:28:22,750 --> 00:28:25,980 just mentioned . Um Mr Sullivan is 728 00:28:25,980 --> 00:28:28,202 there now . I would direct to the White 729 00:28:28,202 --> 00:28:30,147 House for further comment . Okay , 730 00:28:30,147 --> 00:28:29,880 great . Thank you . Oh , I'm sorry 731 00:28:29,880 --> 00:28:32,340 louis . Yeah , I'll take one more fine . 732 00:28:32,480 --> 00:28:34,424 Um so that the previous briefing , 733 00:28:34,424 --> 00:28:36,591 General writer took a lot of questions 734 00:28:36,591 --> 00:28:38,702 about the back pay issue with Covid . 735 00:28:38,702 --> 00:28:40,924 There's been any progress on that . And 736 00:28:40,924 --> 00:28:43,410 also um I mean , one question I think 737 00:28:43,410 --> 00:28:46,280 is the secretary ever consider 738 00:28:46,290 --> 00:28:50,290 um whether to enable back pay 739 00:28:50,290 --> 00:28:53,320 for service members who refused to take 740 00:28:53,320 --> 00:28:55,450 the vaccine . I mean , as a matter of 741 00:28:55,450 --> 00:28:57,850 policy , D O . D is not reviewing or is 742 00:28:57,850 --> 00:29:00,520 not is not going to implement 743 00:29:00,530 --> 00:29:03,810 a policy of providing back pay to 744 00:29:03,810 --> 00:29:06,240 service members who are separated for 745 00:29:06,240 --> 00:29:08,351 refusing the vaccine . So nothing has 746 00:29:08,351 --> 00:29:10,407 changed since um What General Writer 747 00:29:10,407 --> 00:29:12,820 said on Tuesday . But you know , there 748 00:29:12,820 --> 00:29:16,430 was quite a long period of time between 749 00:29:16,440 --> 00:29:18,329 the passing of the signing of the 750 00:29:18,329 --> 00:29:20,680 legislation and when the guidance 751 00:29:20,680 --> 00:29:23,370 eventually came out . Um So did the 752 00:29:23,370 --> 00:29:25,510 secretary ever consider during that 753 00:29:25,510 --> 00:29:27,960 time whether to facilitate as part of 754 00:29:27,960 --> 00:29:30,127 the review process ? Whether to enable 755 00:29:30,127 --> 00:29:33,980 back pay for service providing back pay 756 00:29:33,980 --> 00:29:36,202 for service members that were separated 757 00:29:36,202 --> 00:29:39,200 from the department for refusing to 758 00:29:39,200 --> 00:29:41,422 take the vaccine was not something that 759 00:29:41,422 --> 00:29:43,644 was under consideration . Um and that's 760 00:29:43,644 --> 00:29:45,533 not something that is our current 761 00:29:45,533 --> 00:29:47,589 policy . Great . Okay , thank you so 762 00:29:47,589 --> 00:29:50,140 much . Oh , do we have . Okay , one 763 00:29:50,140 --> 00:29:52,830 last question on Crimea . Um what is 764 00:29:52,830 --> 00:29:54,910 the strategic significance of 765 00:29:54,910 --> 00:29:57,940 recapturing that for Ukraine ? Well I 766 00:29:57,940 --> 00:29:59,884 mean I think you'd have to ask the 767 00:29:59,884 --> 00:30:02,107 Ukrainians , uh that I mean that's part 768 00:30:02,107 --> 00:30:05,140 of their country , um a part of their 769 00:30:05,140 --> 00:30:08,760 country that was taken by Russia . So 770 00:30:08,770 --> 00:30:10,826 um in terms of the significance that 771 00:30:10,826 --> 00:30:13,048 they see , I would direct you to them . 772 00:30:13,048 --> 00:30:15,270 But from a objective standpoint I think 773 00:30:15,270 --> 00:30:17,492 it's pretty clear that recapturing part 774 00:30:17,492 --> 00:30:20,930 of their sovereign state is um is 775 00:30:20,930 --> 00:30:22,960 something that would send a huge 776 00:30:22,960 --> 00:30:26,170 message to to Russia . Okay . Great . 777 00:30:26,180 --> 00:30:27,050 Thank you all .