1 00:00:01,220 --> 00:00:03,442 All right , good afternoon , everyone . 2 00:00:03,442 --> 00:00:05,820 Just uh couple of things here at the 3 00:00:05,829 --> 00:00:07,551 top and we'll go right to your 4 00:00:07,551 --> 00:00:10,550 questions . Secretary Austin spoke by 5 00:00:10,560 --> 00:00:12,782 phone yesterday with Ukrainian Minister 6 00:00:12,782 --> 00:00:14,727 of Defense Ruste Umarov to discuss 7 00:00:14,727 --> 00:00:16,510 current battlefield dynamics . 8 00:00:16,520 --> 00:00:19,120 Ukraine's ongoing operations and 9 00:00:19,129 --> 00:00:21,350 Ukrainian reconstitution and training 10 00:00:21,360 --> 00:00:23,620 efforts during their call . Minister 11 00:00:23,840 --> 00:00:26,062 Umarov provided an update on the impact 12 00:00:26,062 --> 00:00:27,896 of Russia's continued attacks in 13 00:00:27,896 --> 00:00:29,840 Ukraine . Secretary Austin and the 14 00:00:29,840 --> 00:00:31,673 minister also discussed the next 15 00:00:31,673 --> 00:00:33,784 Ukraine defense contact group meeting 16 00:00:33,784 --> 00:00:35,618 which will be held next month in 17 00:00:35,618 --> 00:00:37,673 support of Ukraine's urgent security 18 00:00:37,673 --> 00:00:40,007 assistance requirements . As we've said , 19 00:00:40,007 --> 00:00:41,840 since Russia's illegal and cruel 20 00:00:41,840 --> 00:00:44,062 invasion . 2.5 years ago , the dod will 21 00:00:44,062 --> 00:00:46,118 continue to support Ukraine with the 22 00:00:46,118 --> 00:00:47,951 means to deter and defend itself 23 00:00:47,951 --> 00:00:50,007 against further Russian aggression . 24 00:00:50,007 --> 00:00:52,118 The full readout of the phone call is 25 00:00:52,118 --> 00:00:54,340 available on defense.gov . Separately , 26 00:00:54,340 --> 00:00:56,507 the Department of Defense continues to 27 00:00:56,507 --> 00:00:56,290 closely monitor the situation in the 28 00:00:56,299 --> 00:00:58,466 Middle East and take steps to mitigate 29 00:00:58,466 --> 00:01:00,632 the possibility of regional escalation 30 00:01:00,632 --> 00:01:02,869 by Iran or its proxies . The 31 00:01:02,880 --> 00:01:05,047 department's recent adjustments to the 32 00:01:05,047 --> 00:01:07,213 US military posture in the region have 33 00:01:07,213 --> 00:01:08,936 enabled us to bolster us force 34 00:01:08,936 --> 00:01:11,102 protection , increased support for the 35 00:01:11,102 --> 00:01:13,102 defense of Israel and to ensure the 36 00:01:13,102 --> 00:01:15,324 United States is prepared to respond to 37 00:01:15,324 --> 00:01:17,547 various contingencies . As you've heard 38 00:01:17,547 --> 00:01:19,713 us say previously , we remain intently 39 00:01:19,713 --> 00:01:21,769 focused on de escalating tensions in 40 00:01:21,769 --> 00:01:23,991 the region while also remaining focused 41 00:01:23,991 --> 00:01:26,047 on securing a ceasefire as part of a 42 00:01:26,047 --> 00:01:27,880 hostage deal to bring all of the 43 00:01:27,880 --> 00:01:29,880 hostages home and to end the war in 44 00:01:29,880 --> 00:01:32,047 Gaza . Will that take your questions ? 45 00:01:32,047 --> 00:01:34,158 We'll start with a P Lida bed . Thank 46 00:01:34,158 --> 00:01:37,379 you , Pat two things on Ukraine . 47 00:01:37,750 --> 00:01:41,459 One , have you or has the Pentagon seen 48 00:01:41,470 --> 00:01:44,860 any significant Russian movement back 49 00:01:44,870 --> 00:01:47,230 into KSC at this point ? Can you at 50 00:01:47,239 --> 00:01:49,239 least give us uh some sort of broad 51 00:01:49,239 --> 00:01:51,350 assessment about what you're seeing , 52 00:01:51,350 --> 00:01:53,572 even if it's , you're seeing nothing at 53 00:01:53,572 --> 00:01:55,906 all . And then I have a second question . 54 00:01:55,906 --> 00:01:59,250 Sure . Um You know , again , without uh 55 00:02:00,010 --> 00:02:02,589 getting into an , an operational update 56 00:02:02,599 --> 00:02:04,543 here , we have seen indications of 57 00:02:04,543 --> 00:02:06,819 Russia moving , uh you know , a small 58 00:02:06,830 --> 00:02:10,149 number of forces uh uh into 59 00:02:10,699 --> 00:02:12,921 Kirk , uh the Kursk region to respond . 60 00:02:12,921 --> 00:02:15,255 I would say generally speaking , though , 61 00:02:15,255 --> 00:02:17,143 uh Russia has really struggled to 62 00:02:17,143 --> 00:02:20,229 respond . Uh and you continue to see uh 63 00:02:20,240 --> 00:02:22,740 some Ukrainian advances in that regard . 64 00:02:22,949 --> 00:02:25,080 Uh But again , I'd , I'd refer you to 65 00:02:25,089 --> 00:02:27,311 uh Ukraine to talk about its operations 66 00:02:27,470 --> 00:02:29,669 and to Russia to talk about its own 67 00:02:29,679 --> 00:02:33,289 forces . And then secondly , did 68 00:02:33,779 --> 00:02:36,470 the Ukrainians ask anything or are they 69 00:02:36,479 --> 00:02:38,646 asking anything from the United States 70 00:02:38,646 --> 00:02:40,757 in order to help with the operation ? 71 00:02:40,757 --> 00:02:42,923 There ? Are they , are they asking for 72 00:02:42,923 --> 00:02:44,979 any specific weapon systems or other 73 00:02:44,979 --> 00:02:47,201 support ? Yeah , I don't , I don't have 74 00:02:47,201 --> 00:02:49,368 anything to announce from the podium . 75 00:02:49,368 --> 00:02:51,423 As I mentioned , we'll be conducting 76 00:02:51,423 --> 00:02:53,590 the Ukraine defense contact group here 77 00:02:53,590 --> 00:02:55,646 in September , which again is always 78 00:02:55,646 --> 00:02:57,868 the opportunity to meet with our allies 79 00:02:57,868 --> 00:02:57,410 and partners to talk about Ukraine's 80 00:02:57,419 --> 00:03:00,100 most urgent defense needs . And as I 81 00:03:00,110 --> 00:03:01,832 highlighted , you know , we're 82 00:03:01,832 --> 00:03:04,054 committed to making sure they have what 83 00:03:04,054 --> 00:03:06,054 they need to defend their sovereign 84 00:03:06,054 --> 00:03:08,199 territory and deter future Russian 85 00:03:08,210 --> 00:03:10,377 aggression . I just put sort of on the 86 00:03:10,377 --> 00:03:12,270 record . Could we please get an 87 00:03:12,279 --> 00:03:15,500 operational update ? Noted ? Thank you . 88 00:03:15,800 --> 00:03:17,309 Welcome back again , Lucas 89 00:03:20,000 --> 00:03:22,360 General Ryder , how long do you plan to 90 00:03:22,369 --> 00:03:24,480 keep this additional firepower in the 91 00:03:24,480 --> 00:03:26,591 Middle East ? Well , as you know , uh 92 00:03:26,591 --> 00:03:28,536 we're , we're not gonna talk about 93 00:03:28,536 --> 00:03:30,480 operational timelines . Um We will 94 00:03:30,480 --> 00:03:32,539 preserve flexibility as we always do 95 00:03:33,070 --> 00:03:35,660 and again , we'll stay focused on the 96 00:03:35,669 --> 00:03:37,336 operational objectives that I 97 00:03:37,336 --> 00:03:39,558 highlighted what happened to as long as 98 00:03:39,558 --> 00:03:41,613 it takes . Or is that just for you , 99 00:03:41,613 --> 00:03:43,836 you talking about the Middle East , the 100 00:03:43,836 --> 00:03:43,570 Middle East ? But I'm saying for 101 00:03:43,580 --> 00:03:45,899 Ukraine , you constantly say the mantra 102 00:03:45,910 --> 00:03:48,021 in this building is for as long as it 103 00:03:48,021 --> 00:03:50,720 takes , is that same with the Middle 104 00:03:50,729 --> 00:03:53,380 East ? Well , again , Lucas , I , I 105 00:03:53,389 --> 00:03:55,500 know you've covered this region for a 106 00:03:55,500 --> 00:03:58,149 while . Um We've had a significant 107 00:03:58,160 --> 00:04:00,382 force presence in the Middle East for a 108 00:04:00,382 --> 00:04:02,660 very long time . Upwards of , you know , 109 00:04:02,660 --> 00:04:05,259 30,000 plus us forces operating with 110 00:04:05,270 --> 00:04:07,437 partners throughout the region . And I 111 00:04:07,437 --> 00:04:09,492 don't foresee that changing any time 112 00:04:09,492 --> 00:04:11,492 soon . Are all options on the table 113 00:04:11,492 --> 00:04:14,669 with Iran , uh , in what regard ? I 114 00:04:14,679 --> 00:04:17,609 mean , all regard , like where do you 115 00:04:17,619 --> 00:04:19,508 want to start ? Like diplomatic , 116 00:04:19,508 --> 00:04:22,190 economic information said that all 117 00:04:22,200 --> 00:04:24,200 options are on the table in dealing 118 00:04:24,200 --> 00:04:26,510 with Iran . Does that include striking 119 00:04:26,519 --> 00:04:28,929 Iran all options on the table ? Yeah , 120 00:04:28,940 --> 00:04:30,718 I , I'm not going to get into a 121 00:04:30,718 --> 00:04:32,662 philosophical discussion . I think 122 00:04:32,662 --> 00:04:34,884 we've been very clear in terms of we're 123 00:04:34,884 --> 00:04:36,884 focused on , well , you're , you're 124 00:04:36,884 --> 00:04:38,940 providing a very broad scope getting 125 00:04:38,940 --> 00:04:42,440 into , you know , uh geopolitics and , 126 00:04:42,450 --> 00:04:44,617 and so if you can define your question 127 00:04:44,617 --> 00:04:46,790 a little bit better , all options are 128 00:04:46,799 --> 00:04:49,021 on the table . The spokesperson , let's 129 00:04:49,021 --> 00:04:52,100 go over here to um regarding the forces , 130 00:04:52,109 --> 00:04:53,998 the Russian forces that have been 131 00:04:53,998 --> 00:04:55,887 moving into Kursk . Are they from 132 00:04:55,887 --> 00:04:57,776 inside Russia or any of them been 133 00:04:57,776 --> 00:04:59,831 pulled from Ukraine or Ukrainian for 134 00:04:59,831 --> 00:04:59,570 lines ? Yeah , I'm not going to have 135 00:04:59,579 --> 00:05:01,857 any further details to provide on that . 136 00:05:01,857 --> 00:05:04,950 Will . Thanks Charlie . Thanks in terms 137 00:05:04,959 --> 00:05:07,839 of the destruction of the Kko bridge . 138 00:05:07,850 --> 00:05:10,190 The Russians are suggesting weapons 139 00:05:10,200 --> 00:05:12,256 Western weapons were used . Possibly 140 00:05:12,256 --> 00:05:14,478 high . Mars are high Mars being used in 141 00:05:14,478 --> 00:05:16,311 this fight . So I appreciate the 142 00:05:16,311 --> 00:05:18,422 question again . I'm going to have to 143 00:05:18,422 --> 00:05:20,422 refer you to the Ukrainians to talk 144 00:05:20,422 --> 00:05:22,533 about their operations and , and what 145 00:05:22,533 --> 00:05:24,533 they are or not using . Again . I'd 146 00:05:24,533 --> 00:05:26,533 refer you to the Ukrainians to talk 147 00:05:26,533 --> 00:05:28,756 about what , what they're employing and 148 00:05:28,756 --> 00:05:30,820 their operations . So , so when the 149 00:05:30,829 --> 00:05:32,773 secretary spoke with the Ukrainian 150 00:05:32,773 --> 00:05:34,885 Defense Minister yesterday , did they 151 00:05:34,890 --> 00:05:37,489 discuss long range strikes into Russia 152 00:05:37,500 --> 00:05:40,089 and is the US considering reversing 153 00:05:40,100 --> 00:05:43,149 that policy ? Um So I'm not going to be 154 00:05:43,160 --> 00:05:45,271 able to provide more detail than what 155 00:05:45,271 --> 00:05:47,327 we've included in our read out other 156 00:05:47,327 --> 00:05:49,271 than to say , you know , our , our 157 00:05:49,271 --> 00:05:51,216 policy when it comes to long range 158 00:05:51,216 --> 00:05:53,438 strikes has not changed . Thanks Tony , 159 00:05:53,438 --> 00:05:55,604 I attack him in the cursed offensive . 160 00:05:55,604 --> 00:05:57,790 Does do the Ukrainians have permission 161 00:05:57,799 --> 00:06:00,500 to use attacks to blunt a Russian 162 00:06:00,510 --> 00:06:02,750 counter offensive into their , into the 163 00:06:02,760 --> 00:06:05,839 pocket they've captured . So I'm not 164 00:06:05,850 --> 00:06:08,959 gonna get into uh Ukraine's selection 165 00:06:08,970 --> 00:06:12,279 of uh capabilities as they conduct uh 166 00:06:12,290 --> 00:06:14,346 their , their operations . Our , our 167 00:06:14,346 --> 00:06:16,568 policy is , has not changed which is in 168 00:06:16,570 --> 00:06:19,649 terms of using uh long range strike 169 00:06:19,660 --> 00:06:21,771 capabilities to conduct deep strike . 170 00:06:21,771 --> 00:06:23,771 You know , as you've heard us say , 171 00:06:23,771 --> 00:06:25,660 conducting counter fire defensive 172 00:06:25,660 --> 00:06:27,438 operations across the border is 173 00:06:27,438 --> 00:06:29,604 permitted and I'll just leave it there 174 00:06:29,604 --> 00:06:31,869 last week . You , you , uh you took a 175 00:06:31,880 --> 00:06:33,910 question on Afghanistan in terms of 176 00:06:33,920 --> 00:06:35,976 over the horizon strikes . It was in 177 00:06:35,976 --> 00:06:38,950 the context of uh ISIS K , you didn't 178 00:06:38,959 --> 00:06:41,181 really elaborate on the extent to which 179 00:06:41,181 --> 00:06:43,515 since the pull out since the withdrawal . 180 00:06:43,515 --> 00:06:45,681 Three years ago , the United States is 181 00:06:45,681 --> 00:06:47,737 conducting over the horizon , either 182 00:06:47,737 --> 00:06:49,903 surveillance or strikes against ISIS K 183 00:06:49,903 --> 00:06:52,015 elements . Can you elaborate a little 184 00:06:52,019 --> 00:06:54,241 bit on that and the extent to which the 185 00:06:54,241 --> 00:06:56,408 United States is conducting those ? Uh 186 00:06:56,408 --> 00:06:58,575 Well , generally speaking , Tony , you 187 00:06:58,575 --> 00:07:00,686 know , we're gonna read out or at the 188 00:07:00,686 --> 00:07:02,852 appropriate time , any type of strikes 189 00:07:02,852 --> 00:07:05,019 that we've taken , I'm , I'm not aware 190 00:07:05,019 --> 00:07:04,869 of any that we haven't announced at 191 00:07:04,880 --> 00:07:07,269 this point . Um , certainly if we see 192 00:07:07,279 --> 00:07:09,279 imminent threats against the United 193 00:07:09,279 --> 00:07:11,335 States or our interests , we reserve 194 00:07:11,335 --> 00:07:13,557 the right to take appropriate action to 195 00:07:13,557 --> 00:07:15,557 include conducting over the horizon 196 00:07:15,557 --> 00:07:17,335 strikes . Uh , but I don't have 197 00:07:17,335 --> 00:07:17,100 anything to read out to you right now . 198 00:07:17,350 --> 00:07:19,579 Thanks , Janie . Thank you , General 199 00:07:19,589 --> 00:07:22,489 two questions . Uh , the US and South 200 00:07:22,500 --> 00:07:26,220 Korea UFS Freedom 201 00:07:26,500 --> 00:07:29,980 Shield military exercise is underway in 202 00:07:29,989 --> 00:07:33,220 South Korea . North Korea accused 203 00:07:33,230 --> 00:07:36,700 this exercise of being aimed at 204 00:07:36,709 --> 00:07:40,130 invading North Korea . How will you ? 205 00:07:40,980 --> 00:07:43,036 Yeah , I mean , that's just patently 206 00:07:43,036 --> 00:07:44,758 false . Uh As you know , these 207 00:07:44,758 --> 00:07:46,924 exercises are defensive in nature . Uh 208 00:07:46,924 --> 00:07:48,924 They're also long standing . Uh and 209 00:07:48,924 --> 00:07:51,091 these are opportunities for our forces 210 00:07:51,091 --> 00:07:53,313 to work together on interoperability uh 211 00:07:53,313 --> 00:07:55,750 and to learn how , how to operate uh in 212 00:07:55,760 --> 00:07:58,950 dissimilar environments . Last weekend , 213 00:07:58,959 --> 00:08:02,040 the leaders of the United States in 214 00:08:02,049 --> 00:08:05,619 South Korea and Japan issued a joint 215 00:08:05,630 --> 00:08:09,579 statement Commemorating the one year 216 00:08:09,589 --> 00:08:12,380 anniversary of the Camp David 217 00:08:12,470 --> 00:08:16,459 Declaration . What will happen to the 218 00:08:16,470 --> 00:08:19,820 US and South Korea and the US and South 219 00:08:19,829 --> 00:08:23,299 Korea and Japan agreement if the United 220 00:08:23,309 --> 00:08:27,059 States administration changes ? Um 221 00:08:27,070 --> 00:08:29,292 Well , as I'm sure you can appreciate , 222 00:08:29,292 --> 00:08:31,403 I'm not gonna get into a hypothetical 223 00:08:31,403 --> 00:08:33,359 other than to say , I think uh our 224 00:08:33,369 --> 00:08:36,369 alliance with Japan and South Korea are , 225 00:08:36,380 --> 00:08:38,602 are strong , stronger than they've ever 226 00:08:38,602 --> 00:08:40,658 been . Uh And I think going into the 227 00:08:40,658 --> 00:08:42,713 future , you'll see them continue to 228 00:08:42,713 --> 00:08:44,880 get even stronger . Thanks . Let me go 229 00:08:44,880 --> 00:08:46,991 to the phone real quick here . Take a 230 00:08:46,991 --> 00:08:49,102 couple . All right , let's go to , uh 231 00:08:49,102 --> 00:08:52,390 JJ Green WTO P . Thank you General for 232 00:08:52,400 --> 00:08:54,511 taking this question . I had a chance 233 00:08:54,511 --> 00:08:56,456 to speak with a spokesman from the 234 00:08:56,456 --> 00:08:58,622 Ukrainian military a day or so ago and 235 00:08:58,622 --> 00:09:00,789 they mentioned that , uh , it would be 236 00:09:00,789 --> 00:09:03,530 very helpful for them if Western 237 00:09:03,539 --> 00:09:05,710 logistics and speaking of the US and 238 00:09:05,719 --> 00:09:07,886 the allies that are sending weapons et 239 00:09:07,886 --> 00:09:11,530 cetera to them , um , if the pace could 240 00:09:11,539 --> 00:09:13,595 be picked up to get those weapons to 241 00:09:13,595 --> 00:09:15,719 them sooner , considering what it is 242 00:09:15,729 --> 00:09:17,729 that they're doing and what they're 243 00:09:17,729 --> 00:09:19,969 engaged in now in Kirk and Belgorod . 244 00:09:20,460 --> 00:09:23,000 Um And just second , really quickly . 245 00:09:23,010 --> 00:09:24,954 Um Is this something that could be 246 00:09:24,954 --> 00:09:27,066 addressed at the next contact group , 247 00:09:27,066 --> 00:09:29,177 if not sooner ? Yeah . Thanks for the 248 00:09:29,177 --> 00:09:31,010 question . JJ . Um We are always 249 00:09:31,010 --> 00:09:33,650 looking at ways that we can expedite 250 00:09:33,659 --> 00:09:36,770 delivery of capabilities to the 251 00:09:36,780 --> 00:09:39,330 Ukrainians and to your point , the 252 00:09:39,340 --> 00:09:41,507 Ukraine defense contact group provides 253 00:09:41,507 --> 00:09:43,570 an excellent forum in which to have 254 00:09:43,580 --> 00:09:46,719 discussions to look at uh processes , 255 00:09:46,729 --> 00:09:50,119 procedures uh as it relates to uh 256 00:09:50,130 --> 00:09:52,297 ensuring that the Ukrainians have what 257 00:09:52,297 --> 00:09:54,463 they need on the battlefield to defend 258 00:09:54,463 --> 00:09:56,630 themselves . You know , it's important 259 00:09:56,630 --> 00:09:58,686 to remember . Uh First of all that , 260 00:09:58,686 --> 00:10:00,908 from the very beginning , uh the United 261 00:10:00,908 --> 00:10:03,019 States has worked very , very hard to 262 00:10:03,019 --> 00:10:05,130 rush uh vital capabilities to Ukraine 263 00:10:05,140 --> 00:10:07,029 and that hasn't stopped . You see 264 00:10:07,029 --> 00:10:08,809 organizations like the Security 265 00:10:08,820 --> 00:10:11,210 Assistance Group , Ukraine , uh which 266 00:10:11,219 --> 00:10:13,809 serves as a focal point for ensuring uh 267 00:10:13,820 --> 00:10:15,764 the , the onward delivery of those 268 00:10:15,764 --> 00:10:18,969 capabilities . But also recognizing the 269 00:10:18,979 --> 00:10:22,020 incredible complexity , uh more than 50 270 00:10:22,030 --> 00:10:24,190 nations working together to , to get 271 00:10:24,200 --> 00:10:26,450 this capability uh from their own 272 00:10:26,460 --> 00:10:28,929 stocks and often cases or contracting 273 00:10:28,940 --> 00:10:31,107 it and getting it to Ukraine . So that 274 00:10:31,107 --> 00:10:33,780 is work uh that is constantly ongoing . 275 00:10:33,900 --> 00:10:36,049 Uh And as evidenced by the fact that 276 00:10:36,059 --> 00:10:38,003 you continue to see Russian forces 277 00:10:38,003 --> 00:10:40,059 conducting offensive action in the , 278 00:10:40,140 --> 00:10:42,280 the east of Ukraine , uh We also 279 00:10:42,289 --> 00:10:44,530 recognize the vital importance of , of 280 00:10:44,539 --> 00:10:46,483 moving as quickly as possible , so 281 00:10:46,483 --> 00:10:48,706 we'll stay after it . Let me go to Lara 282 00:10:48,706 --> 00:10:50,372 Suliman Wall Street Journal . 283 00:10:55,400 --> 00:10:57,456 Hello , are you there ? Hi . Can you 284 00:10:57,456 --> 00:11:01,190 hear me an update pat 285 00:11:01,200 --> 00:11:04,679 on um , the F-16 training in Ukraine , 286 00:11:04,690 --> 00:11:07,989 how that is going and um , whether 287 00:11:08,000 --> 00:11:09,722 there are going to be American 288 00:11:09,722 --> 00:11:12,229 contractors , um helping out with the 289 00:11:12,239 --> 00:11:15,549 maintenance in Ukraine . Yeah . So , so 290 00:11:15,559 --> 00:11:18,270 right now , uh , as I understand it , 291 00:11:18,280 --> 00:11:21,260 there continues to be uh F-16 training 292 00:11:21,270 --> 00:11:23,919 in Arizona and , and in Denmark , um , 293 00:11:24,179 --> 00:11:26,235 in terms of within Ukraine , I don't 294 00:11:26,235 --> 00:11:28,457 have any updates provided . I'd have to 295 00:11:28,457 --> 00:11:30,457 refer you to the Ukrainians on that 296 00:11:30,457 --> 00:11:32,735 front . As you know , they , they have , 297 00:11:32,735 --> 00:11:34,901 uh , received some F-16s . Um , and in 298 00:11:34,901 --> 00:11:37,080 terms of , uh , dod contractors , us 299 00:11:37,090 --> 00:11:39,450 dod contractors . I'm not aware of any 300 00:11:39,460 --> 00:11:41,900 right now . All right , come back a bit 301 00:11:41,909 --> 00:11:44,131 more . Uh , two questions in the Middle 302 00:11:44,131 --> 00:11:46,187 East and then one in Ukraine ha have 303 00:11:46,187 --> 00:11:48,353 the US S Abraham Lincoln or has the US 304 00:11:48,353 --> 00:11:50,520 S Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike group 305 00:11:50,520 --> 00:11:52,631 and US S Georgia arrived in Centcom . 306 00:11:52,631 --> 00:11:54,687 Uh they're still in transit or , and 307 00:11:54,687 --> 00:11:56,853 we'll keep you updated on that front , 308 00:11:56,853 --> 00:11:58,742 but I do anticipate uh they'll be 309 00:11:58,742 --> 00:12:00,742 arriving soon . So I'm just curious 310 00:12:00,742 --> 00:12:00,549 when you talk about bolstering us , 311 00:12:00,559 --> 00:12:02,670 force protection and , and increasing 312 00:12:02,670 --> 00:12:04,892 support for Israel . Isn't it true then 313 00:12:04,892 --> 00:12:07,115 that most of what you're sending hasn't 314 00:12:07,115 --> 00:12:09,170 even gotten to the A or yet ? No , I 315 00:12:09,170 --> 00:12:08,710 don't , I don't think that would be a 316 00:12:08,719 --> 00:12:10,830 fair characterization again . Uh as I 317 00:12:10,830 --> 00:12:12,663 highlighted earlier , we already 318 00:12:12,663 --> 00:12:14,441 maintain uh a significant force 319 00:12:14,441 --> 00:12:16,441 presence and it's also important to 320 00:12:16,441 --> 00:12:19,890 understand , to look beyond uh episodic 321 00:12:19,900 --> 00:12:22,630 situations , right ? So , ensuring that 322 00:12:22,640 --> 00:12:25,890 we have the forces in theater uh to 323 00:12:25,900 --> 00:12:28,789 respond to something if it happens now . 324 00:12:28,989 --> 00:12:31,539 But also ensuring we have forces in 325 00:12:31,549 --> 00:12:33,549 theater to be able to respond to 326 00:12:33,559 --> 00:12:35,503 whatever could be next in terms of 327 00:12:35,503 --> 00:12:37,750 potential escalation and trying to de 328 00:12:37,830 --> 00:12:39,719 escalate the situation . And that 329 00:12:39,719 --> 00:12:41,989 requires uh bolstering some of those 330 00:12:42,000 --> 00:12:44,056 capabilities . Again , one to send a 331 00:12:44,056 --> 00:12:46,167 clear message , but two to be able to 332 00:12:46,167 --> 00:12:48,333 respond uh in a longer term scenario , 333 00:12:48,333 --> 00:12:50,650 should we need to do that ? So , uh 334 00:12:50,659 --> 00:12:52,826 I'll just leave it there and then just 335 00:12:52,826 --> 00:12:54,770 a quick Ukraine question is the US 336 00:12:54,770 --> 00:12:56,826 ready to openly and publicly support 337 00:12:56,826 --> 00:12:58,992 Ukraine's operation in Kirk ? If not , 338 00:12:58,992 --> 00:13:01,049 why not ? Um Look again , uh we're , 339 00:13:01,059 --> 00:13:02,670 we're continuing to have the 340 00:13:02,670 --> 00:13:04,615 discussions with the Ukrainians in 341 00:13:04,615 --> 00:13:06,559 terms of their , their focus . You 342 00:13:06,559 --> 00:13:08,726 heard President Zelensky say it was to 343 00:13:08,726 --> 00:13:10,948 create a buffer zone . So we're , we're 344 00:13:10,948 --> 00:13:10,890 having those conversations to learn 345 00:13:10,900 --> 00:13:13,067 more about what their objectives are . 346 00:13:13,067 --> 00:13:15,233 Again , if you take a step back from a 347 00:13:15,233 --> 00:13:17,456 US perspective , our focus continues to 348 00:13:17,456 --> 00:13:20,349 be uh enabling Ukraine to be a free and 349 00:13:20,359 --> 00:13:22,192 sovereign country that can deter 350 00:13:22,192 --> 00:13:24,303 Russian aggression in the future . Uh 351 00:13:24,303 --> 00:13:26,440 And so that mean that continues to be 352 00:13:26,450 --> 00:13:28,830 our , our focus um as it relates to 353 00:13:28,840 --> 00:13:30,562 their operation in Kirk , as I 354 00:13:30,562 --> 00:13:33,479 mentioned , uh they , they clearly have 355 00:13:33,489 --> 00:13:36,549 compelled the Russians to uh struggle 356 00:13:36,559 --> 00:13:39,590 in their response . Uh It has certainly 357 00:13:39,700 --> 00:13:43,340 demonstrated the creativity uh 358 00:13:43,349 --> 00:13:45,830 and the battlefield prowess of the 359 00:13:45,840 --> 00:13:49,130 Ukrainians . Uh But when it comes to uh 360 00:13:49,140 --> 00:13:51,349 what their longer term objectives are 361 00:13:51,359 --> 00:13:53,303 here , that's something that we're 362 00:13:53,303 --> 00:13:55,581 still discussing with them . Thank you , 363 00:13:55,581 --> 00:13:57,637 sir . I see you in a while . Welcome 364 00:13:57,637 --> 00:13:59,859 back . Thank you very much . Actually , 365 00:13:59,859 --> 00:14:02,239 I was in Kurdistan , many official 366 00:14:02,250 --> 00:14:04,590 sources including Minister of Peshmerga . 367 00:14:04,599 --> 00:14:08,489 They told me ISIS are serious threats 368 00:14:08,500 --> 00:14:10,556 in Iraq in Syria and in the region . 369 00:14:11,229 --> 00:14:14,419 And he believed it is very important 370 00:14:14,429 --> 00:14:18,099 for all of Iraq international coalition 371 00:14:18,109 --> 00:14:20,640 style in Iraq . Do you have any comment 372 00:14:20,659 --> 00:14:22,715 on that ? Well , as you know , the , 373 00:14:22,715 --> 00:14:24,609 the conversations with the Higher 374 00:14:24,619 --> 00:14:26,786 Military Commission continue , I don't 375 00:14:26,786 --> 00:14:28,897 have any updates to provide on the on 376 00:14:28,897 --> 00:14:31,063 the outcomes of that other than to say 377 00:14:31,063 --> 00:14:33,169 that we as part of the US Iraq joint 378 00:14:33,179 --> 00:14:35,123 security dialogue , which includes 379 00:14:35,369 --> 00:14:39,229 Peshmerga representation uh is looking 380 00:14:39,239 --> 00:14:42,400 at what the transition for the 381 00:14:42,409 --> 00:14:45,159 coalition oir will be and what the 382 00:14:45,169 --> 00:14:47,359 future of the us Iraq bilateral 383 00:14:47,369 --> 00:14:49,760 security Cooper operation is when it 384 00:14:49,770 --> 00:14:52,289 comes to ISIS . Uh , you're right . It 385 00:14:52,299 --> 00:14:54,580 does continue to be a threat . 386 00:14:54,590 --> 00:14:57,679 Certainly ISIS is not uh as 387 00:14:58,109 --> 00:15:01,909 capable as it was 10 years ago , but 388 00:15:01,919 --> 00:15:03,919 they do continue to pose a threat , 389 00:15:03,919 --> 00:15:06,020 particularly in ungoverned spaces 390 00:15:06,030 --> 00:15:08,669 within Syria . And also as it relates 391 00:15:08,679 --> 00:15:12,429 to ISIS prisoners in , ah , ha , that 392 00:15:12,440 --> 00:15:14,719 need to be repatriated . So this is 393 00:15:14,729 --> 00:15:17,590 something that we are not going to take 394 00:15:17,599 --> 00:15:20,010 our eyes off of and we'll continue to 395 00:15:20,020 --> 00:15:23,440 keep you updated on that front . Do you 396 00:15:23,450 --> 00:15:26,070 believe Cooper between Peshmerga and 397 00:15:26,080 --> 00:15:28,539 Iraqi army is important 398 00:15:30,359 --> 00:15:32,637 and especially in disputed area ? Like , 399 00:15:33,270 --> 00:15:35,270 yeah , look , there's no question . 400 00:15:35,270 --> 00:15:37,599 First of all that Iraqi security forces 401 00:15:37,609 --> 00:15:40,530 writ large , which includes Peshmerga 402 00:15:40,539 --> 00:15:43,020 have played a vital role in terms of 403 00:15:43,169 --> 00:15:45,590 reducing the threat that ISIS poses . 404 00:15:45,599 --> 00:15:48,179 But as we've seen in places like 405 00:15:48,190 --> 00:15:51,000 Afghanistan left unchecked , uh ISIS 406 00:15:51,010 --> 00:15:53,719 can start to make a resurgence . And so 407 00:15:53,729 --> 00:15:55,951 again , we'll continue to work with our 408 00:15:55,951 --> 00:15:59,299 Iraqi partners or Peshmerga partners to 409 00:15:59,309 --> 00:16:01,253 address this threat . Let me go to 410 00:16:01,253 --> 00:16:03,587 Constantine and I'll come to you , Carl . 411 00:16:03,587 --> 00:16:05,531 Thanks Pat . Yesterday , President 412 00:16:05,531 --> 00:16:07,698 Zelinsky was quoted in Ukrainian media 413 00:16:07,698 --> 00:16:09,698 saying that he deliberately did not 414 00:16:09,698 --> 00:16:12,919 disclose plans of his curs mission to 415 00:16:12,929 --> 00:16:15,151 Western allies . Is that something that 416 00:16:15,151 --> 00:16:17,729 the Pentagon that dynamic is something 417 00:16:17,739 --> 00:16:19,961 that the Pentagon expects to be part of 418 00:16:19,961 --> 00:16:22,183 the relationship going forward . And is 419 00:16:22,183 --> 00:16:24,017 that a source of concern in this 420 00:16:24,017 --> 00:16:26,128 building ? Well , you know , look , I 421 00:16:26,128 --> 00:16:28,183 think our commitment and support for 422 00:16:28,183 --> 00:16:30,469 Ukraine uh is strong , right ? And , 423 00:16:30,479 --> 00:16:32,646 and we're gonna be continue to support 424 00:16:32,646 --> 00:16:34,590 them for the long haul . As you've 425 00:16:34,590 --> 00:16:36,923 heard , Secretary Austin and others say , 426 00:16:36,923 --> 00:16:39,270 um we're going to always keep those 427 00:16:39,280 --> 00:16:41,447 channels of communication open because 428 00:16:41,447 --> 00:16:43,280 the better we understand uh what 429 00:16:43,280 --> 00:16:45,391 Ukraine's objectives are , the better 430 00:16:45,391 --> 00:16:47,447 we can support them . And so this is 431 00:16:47,447 --> 00:16:49,391 why we have multiple mechanisms to 432 00:16:49,391 --> 00:16:51,447 include frequent phone calls between 433 00:16:51,447 --> 00:16:53,502 Secretary Austin and his counterpart 434 00:16:53,502 --> 00:16:55,447 and forums like the U DC G where , 435 00:16:55,447 --> 00:16:57,558 where we can have those discussions . 436 00:16:57,558 --> 00:16:59,724 But at the end of the day , uh again , 437 00:16:59,724 --> 00:16:59,489 it's important to take a step back in 438 00:16:59,500 --> 00:17:01,611 terms of what we're trying to achieve 439 00:17:01,611 --> 00:17:03,778 here . And that's a free and sovereign 440 00:17:03,780 --> 00:17:06,579 Ukraine that is able to defend itself 441 00:17:06,589 --> 00:17:08,700 and deter future Russian aggression . 442 00:17:09,609 --> 00:17:11,831 Sorry , no , you would say that there's 443 00:17:11,831 --> 00:17:13,720 no change in the closeness of the 444 00:17:13,720 --> 00:17:17,270 relationship between Thank you , Pat um 445 00:17:17,489 --> 00:17:19,709 a couple of follow ups . So follow up 446 00:17:19,719 --> 00:17:23,119 to uh Oren's question us S Georgia is 447 00:17:23,130 --> 00:17:26,259 still not in the Centcom A or is that 448 00:17:26,269 --> 00:17:29,328 what it's in transit in transit ? It is 449 00:17:29,338 --> 00:17:31,818 heading towards the Centcom to the 450 00:17:31,828 --> 00:17:33,828 Centcom . Why are you asking your , 451 00:17:33,828 --> 00:17:36,438 your question ? So incredulously , it's 452 00:17:36,448 --> 00:17:38,688 taking them an awful long time to get 453 00:17:38,698 --> 00:17:40,920 there . That's why I'm just trying to , 454 00:17:40,920 --> 00:17:43,142 to track to make sure that it is indeed 455 00:17:43,142 --> 00:17:45,254 going to sitcom . Um OK , just wanted 456 00:17:45,254 --> 00:17:47,087 to make sure . And then on um on 457 00:17:47,087 --> 00:17:49,142 Ukraine , just to follow up to Leo's 458 00:17:49,142 --> 00:17:51,031 question um there have been other 459 00:17:51,031 --> 00:17:53,254 attacks outside Kirk . Um , there was a 460 00:17:53,254 --> 00:17:55,254 drone attack that targeted , uh , a 461 00:17:55,254 --> 00:17:58,300 fuel depot like 700 kilometers south of 462 00:17:58,310 --> 00:18:01,300 Kirst , about 250 kilometers away from 463 00:18:01,329 --> 00:18:03,680 the Ukrainian border . Uh Is that 464 00:18:03,689 --> 00:18:05,800 pulling any Russian forces outside of 465 00:18:05,800 --> 00:18:07,689 Ukraine ? Have you seen them , if 466 00:18:07,689 --> 00:18:09,745 they're not moving into Kursk ? Have 467 00:18:09,745 --> 00:18:11,745 you seen them pull back to Russia ? 468 00:18:11,745 --> 00:18:13,800 What can you say , uh , on how these 469 00:18:13,800 --> 00:18:15,856 attacks have updated um and affected 470 00:18:15,856 --> 00:18:18,078 the battlefield in Ukraine ? Yeah , you 471 00:18:18,078 --> 00:18:20,810 know , broadly speaking , Carla , again , 472 00:18:20,819 --> 00:18:23,050 what you see is the vast majority of 473 00:18:23,060 --> 00:18:26,099 Russian forces along the , the eastern 474 00:18:26,510 --> 00:18:30,219 front in Ukraine , um occupying 475 00:18:30,229 --> 00:18:32,340 Ukrainian territory and , and focused 476 00:18:32,340 --> 00:18:34,939 on uh in some areas , uh you know , 477 00:18:34,949 --> 00:18:37,060 largely defensive , but in some areas 478 00:18:37,060 --> 00:18:39,449 focused on uh offensive operations 479 00:18:39,459 --> 00:18:41,681 attempting to take additional Ukrainian 480 00:18:41,681 --> 00:18:45,270 territory uh as it relates to uh any 481 00:18:45,280 --> 00:18:48,000 type of Ukrainian operations inside 482 00:18:48,010 --> 00:18:50,232 Russia that , that you're referencing . 483 00:18:50,232 --> 00:18:53,119 Um You know , that's inside Russia . So , 484 00:18:53,130 --> 00:18:55,019 I mean , they already have forces 485 00:18:55,019 --> 00:18:57,589 inside Russia . Um I , I just don't 486 00:18:57,599 --> 00:18:59,890 have anything on that . All right , let 487 00:18:59,900 --> 00:19:01,900 me go back to the phone here , Jeff 488 00:19:01,900 --> 00:19:04,130 Shole task and purpose . Thank you . Uh 489 00:19:04,140 --> 00:19:06,170 Can you bring us up to date on the 490 00:19:06,180 --> 00:19:09,010 number of attacks and , and wounded in 491 00:19:09,020 --> 00:19:11,449 Iraq and Syria against us troops ? And 492 00:19:11,459 --> 00:19:13,810 also uh can the defense department name , 493 00:19:13,819 --> 00:19:16,229 which cruisers were sent to the Middle 494 00:19:16,239 --> 00:19:18,295 East ? I don't think I've seen those 495 00:19:18,295 --> 00:19:20,628 ships named . Thank you . Yeah , thanks , 496 00:19:20,628 --> 00:19:23,130 Jeff um , in terms of the , uh , the 497 00:19:23,140 --> 00:19:25,930 injuries that were at , uh , Ram Allan 498 00:19:25,939 --> 00:19:28,729 Landing Zone , I think you were briefed 499 00:19:28,739 --> 00:19:32,260 on Monday . Uh , 11 personnel had been 500 00:19:32,469 --> 00:19:35,329 treated for TB I and smoke inhalation . 501 00:19:35,339 --> 00:19:37,395 All 11 of those to my knowledge have 502 00:19:37,395 --> 00:19:39,939 returned to duty . Um , in terms of the , 503 00:19:39,949 --> 00:19:42,500 the cruisers , um , just to clarify 504 00:19:42,510 --> 00:19:44,677 something . So , within the department 505 00:19:44,677 --> 00:19:46,732 of Defense , uh , we have an acronym 506 00:19:46,732 --> 00:19:48,788 that we typically use crudes , which 507 00:19:48,788 --> 00:19:51,260 stands for cruiser destroyer . Uh And 508 00:19:51,270 --> 00:19:53,439 so , uh you know , there was some 509 00:19:53,449 --> 00:19:55,505 information out there in terms of uh 510 00:19:55,505 --> 00:19:58,000 cruisers going to the A or right now , 511 00:19:58,010 --> 00:20:01,609 there are no cruisers uh in the A or uh 512 00:20:01,619 --> 00:20:04,819 but we often use that term also loosely 513 00:20:04,829 --> 00:20:07,400 to uh refer to destroyer , so crude as 514 00:20:07,410 --> 00:20:09,299 cruiser destroyer . So we do have 515 00:20:09,299 --> 00:20:11,589 destroyers in both the U COM and the 516 00:20:11,599 --> 00:20:14,300 Centcom A or hope hopefully , that 517 00:20:14,310 --> 00:20:16,699 helps to clarify . All right , let me 518 00:20:16,709 --> 00:20:18,599 go to uh Joseph A Arabia . 519 00:20:22,729 --> 00:20:24,840 Thanks be uh just wanted to ask again 520 00:20:24,849 --> 00:20:27,609 on um on Iraq today . Iraq's Foreign 521 00:20:27,619 --> 00:20:30,630 Minister said several developments led 522 00:20:30,640 --> 00:20:32,751 to the postponing of the announcement 523 00:20:32,751 --> 00:20:34,973 at the end of the coalition presence in 524 00:20:34,973 --> 00:20:37,084 Iraq . But he also said there had not 525 00:20:37,084 --> 00:20:39,319 been any response to the attacks on us 526 00:20:39,329 --> 00:20:42,300 troops particularly at Al Asad Air Base 527 00:20:42,310 --> 00:20:44,609 due to what he said was diplomacy . 528 00:20:44,989 --> 00:20:47,156 Were you guys asked to hold off or not 529 00:20:47,156 --> 00:20:49,420 respond um to any of these recent 530 00:20:49,430 --> 00:20:51,579 attacks , specifically , the the most 531 00:20:51,589 --> 00:20:53,700 recent one that led to , uh , I guess 532 00:20:53,700 --> 00:20:56,810 11 injured uh us personnel . Yeah , 533 00:20:56,819 --> 00:20:59,041 thanks Joseph . So , a couple of things 534 00:20:59,041 --> 00:21:01,800 on that . So , uh , first of all , as 535 00:21:01,810 --> 00:21:04,000 Secretary Austin has said many times , 536 00:21:04,010 --> 00:21:06,177 we're not going to tolerate attacks on 537 00:21:06,177 --> 00:21:09,780 our forces . Uh And uh we will always 538 00:21:09,790 --> 00:21:12,619 uh respond appropriately in a time and 539 00:21:12,630 --> 00:21:15,270 manner of our choosing , uh as for any 540 00:21:15,280 --> 00:21:17,447 type of diplomatic discussions . I , I 541 00:21:17,447 --> 00:21:19,724 don't have anything to read out to you . 542 00:21:19,724 --> 00:21:22,099 Uh nor am I going to get into uh those 543 00:21:22,109 --> 00:21:24,500 types of private discussions ? Ok . 544 00:21:24,510 --> 00:21:26,732 Time for a few more . Yes , sir . Thank 545 00:21:26,732 --> 00:21:28,566 you , General Ryder . My name is 546 00:21:28,566 --> 00:21:30,677 Mushrik Fasil , presenting South Asia 547 00:21:30,677 --> 00:21:32,819 perspectives . How does the Pentagon 548 00:21:32,829 --> 00:21:35,760 view the role of the Bangladesh army in 549 00:21:35,770 --> 00:21:38,819 supporting peace and stability and the 550 00:21:38,829 --> 00:21:41,030 interim government led by Nobel 551 00:21:41,050 --> 00:21:43,449 laureate , Professor Mohammad Yus . Is 552 00:21:43,459 --> 00:21:44,959 there any collaboration or 553 00:21:44,959 --> 00:21:47,680 communication between the United States 554 00:21:47,689 --> 00:21:50,040 and Bangladesh military during this 555 00:21:50,050 --> 00:21:52,930 transitional period ? Um Well , a as 556 00:21:52,939 --> 00:21:54,939 you know , we do have a , a defense 557 00:21:54,939 --> 00:21:57,280 relationship with Bangladesh , uh we 558 00:21:57,290 --> 00:22:00,319 will look forward to uh working to 559 00:22:00,329 --> 00:22:02,551 support our shared values and interests 560 00:22:02,551 --> 00:22:04,718 such as a free and open Indo Pacific . 561 00:22:04,718 --> 00:22:06,940 I don't have anything to read out right 562 00:22:06,940 --> 00:22:09,162 now in terms of any types of contact uh 563 00:22:09,162 --> 00:22:12,319 as it relates to uh the Bangladesh 564 00:22:12,430 --> 00:22:14,719 government . Of course , you know , we , 565 00:22:14,729 --> 00:22:18,199 we would expect uh human rights uh to 566 00:22:18,209 --> 00:22:22,040 be observed and , and there to uh be an 567 00:22:22,050 --> 00:22:24,272 avoidance of any type of violence . But 568 00:22:24,272 --> 00:22:25,994 I would refer you to our state 569 00:22:25,994 --> 00:22:28,272 Department for any questions about the , 570 00:22:28,272 --> 00:22:30,606 the US Bangladesh relationship at large ? 571 00:22:30,606 --> 00:22:33,819 Thank you . Uh Thanks General between 572 00:22:33,829 --> 00:22:35,773 the Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham 573 00:22:35,773 --> 00:22:38,107 Lincoln . The ships that are in the med . 574 00:22:38,107 --> 00:22:40,440 Now , I count around a dozen destroyers , 575 00:22:40,440 --> 00:22:42,773 a submarine that will one day get there . 576 00:22:42,773 --> 00:22:44,885 What kind of fight are you gearing up 577 00:22:44,885 --> 00:22:47,107 for ? And , and so first of all , let's 578 00:22:47,107 --> 00:22:50,060 be clear about , you know , II I noted 579 00:22:50,069 --> 00:22:52,125 a bit of snarkiness in your question 580 00:22:52,125 --> 00:22:54,569 there , but uh the submarine is in the 581 00:22:54,579 --> 00:22:56,890 Mediterranean which is in the UCAOR . 582 00:22:56,900 --> 00:22:59,122 Ok . So first of all , I mean , it's in 583 00:22:59,122 --> 00:23:01,067 proximity of the region that we're 584 00:23:01,067 --> 00:23:03,178 talking about moving into the central 585 00:23:03,178 --> 00:23:05,233 command region again to provide capa 586 00:23:05,233 --> 00:23:07,609 capacity there . And in terms of what 587 00:23:07,619 --> 00:23:10,280 we're getting ready for , um is exactly 588 00:23:10,290 --> 00:23:12,489 what I read out at the top , which is 589 00:23:12,500 --> 00:23:15,829 enabling us to bolster force protection , 590 00:23:15,900 --> 00:23:18,229 the defense of Israel and also be ready 591 00:23:18,239 --> 00:23:20,017 to respond to a wide variety of 592 00:23:20,017 --> 00:23:23,430 contingencies . I understand the focus 593 00:23:23,439 --> 00:23:27,349 on this moment in time , but we in the 594 00:23:27,359 --> 00:23:29,630 dod are a planning organization and in 595 00:23:29,640 --> 00:23:31,807 addition to be ready , being ready for 596 00:23:31,807 --> 00:23:33,807 now , we're gonna be ready for that 597 00:23:33,807 --> 00:23:36,040 wide variety of contingencies of what 598 00:23:36,050 --> 00:23:38,199 may come to do that you have to have 599 00:23:38,209 --> 00:23:39,987 capability and you have to have 600 00:23:39,987 --> 00:23:42,709 capacity and , and so that's exactly 601 00:23:42,719 --> 00:23:44,989 what we've done and that's what exactly 602 00:23:45,000 --> 00:23:47,222 what we'd be prepared to do going ahead 603 00:23:47,222 --> 00:23:50,989 into the future . Thanks , sir . Yeah , 604 00:23:51,000 --> 00:23:53,000 President Zelinski said it wouldn't 605 00:23:53,000 --> 00:23:55,056 have been necessary for them to move 606 00:23:55,056 --> 00:23:57,278 into Kirk if its supporters , including 607 00:23:57,278 --> 00:23:59,333 the US , cleared them to launch deep 608 00:23:59,333 --> 00:24:01,333 strike missions at military targets 609 00:24:01,333 --> 00:24:03,619 inside Russia proper . Is this fair or 610 00:24:03,630 --> 00:24:05,852 not or is this true or not ? With the , 611 00:24:05,890 --> 00:24:08,890 I'm not gonna uh comment on President 612 00:24:09,060 --> 00:24:11,393 Zelensky s uh statement . Certainly , I , 613 00:24:11,393 --> 00:24:13,560 you know , I'll let his comments speak 614 00:24:13,560 --> 00:24:15,727 for themselves again . Uh There should 615 00:24:15,727 --> 00:24:17,838 be no question that the United States 616 00:24:17,838 --> 00:24:19,782 supports Ukraine and its fight for 617 00:24:19,782 --> 00:24:22,459 freedom and to preserve its sovereignty 618 00:24:22,699 --> 00:24:24,880 uh and to deter future Russian 619 00:24:24,890 --> 00:24:26,668 aggression . And that's what we 620 00:24:26,668 --> 00:24:29,000 continue to remain focused on . Um 621 00:24:29,010 --> 00:24:32,420 while you're going to see uh various uh 622 00:24:32,430 --> 00:24:34,880 shifts on the battlefield from time to 623 00:24:34,890 --> 00:24:36,946 time as we've been watching this for 624 00:24:36,946 --> 00:24:39,112 2.5 years , we remain laser focused on 625 00:24:39,112 --> 00:24:41,630 that end state in terms of enabling 626 00:24:41,640 --> 00:24:44,800 them to defend their sovereignty uh and 627 00:24:44,810 --> 00:24:46,977 deter future Russian aggression , both 628 00:24:47,020 --> 00:24:49,187 urgent battlefield needs and long term 629 00:24:49,187 --> 00:24:51,298 defense needs . And that's what we'll 630 00:24:51,298 --> 00:24:53,464 continue to stay focused on ultimately 631 00:24:53,464 --> 00:24:55,576 at the end of the day . Uh you know , 632 00:24:55,576 --> 00:24:57,576 it's up to the Ukrainians to defend 633 00:24:57,576 --> 00:24:57,569 their country and we're going to 634 00:24:57,579 --> 00:24:59,635 continue to communicate closely with 635 00:24:59,635 --> 00:25:01,635 them on what those needs are uh and 636 00:25:01,635 --> 00:25:03,357 evolve as the situation on the 637 00:25:03,357 --> 00:25:06,609 battlefield evolves . All right . 638 00:25:07,140 --> 00:25:09,362 Last two . Yes , sir . Thanks general . 639 00:25:09,362 --> 00:25:11,418 Um So on the two major wars that are 640 00:25:11,418 --> 00:25:13,473 going on in Ukraine and in Gaza , um 641 00:25:13,473 --> 00:25:16,479 the civilian casualty rate in Ukraine 642 00:25:16,489 --> 00:25:18,378 by the Russian military is around 643 00:25:18,378 --> 00:25:20,959 11,000 civilians , around 2000 Children . 644 00:25:21,339 --> 00:25:23,930 Uh in Gaza , it's 40,000 civilians , uh 645 00:25:23,959 --> 00:25:27,069 16,000 Children . So that's eight times 646 00:25:27,079 --> 00:25:29,135 the number of Children killed in one 647 00:25:29,135 --> 00:25:31,780 third of the time span by Israel . So 648 00:25:31,790 --> 00:25:33,790 my question for you is if you could 649 00:25:33,790 --> 00:25:35,901 tell us about the moral calculus that 650 00:25:35,901 --> 00:25:37,957 has led this administration to spend 651 00:25:37,957 --> 00:25:40,179 over $100 billion supporting Ukraine to 652 00:25:40,179 --> 00:25:42,290 fight back against Russia while we're 653 00:25:42,290 --> 00:25:44,234 spending tens of billions , aiding 654 00:25:44,234 --> 00:25:46,739 militaries , aiding Israel's military 655 00:25:46,750 --> 00:25:48,861 campaign in Gaza and using rhetoric , 656 00:25:48,861 --> 00:25:50,972 you know , like Russia's aggression , 657 00:25:50,972 --> 00:25:53,139 defending Israel , we're getting ready 658 00:25:53,139 --> 00:25:55,139 to defend Israel for a regional war 659 00:25:55,139 --> 00:25:57,194 potential in the Middle East . So um 660 00:25:57,194 --> 00:25:59,083 with that stark civilian casualty 661 00:25:59,083 --> 00:26:01,306 contrast , why have you determined that 662 00:26:01,306 --> 00:26:03,528 Russia is the bad guy and Israel is the 663 00:26:03,528 --> 00:26:05,694 good guy ? Uh So again , let's , let's 664 00:26:05,694 --> 00:26:07,861 take a step back in time here and look 665 00:26:07,861 --> 00:26:10,083 at how these conflicts started . Number 666 00:26:10,083 --> 00:26:13,170 one , Russia's illegal cruel invasion , 667 00:26:13,589 --> 00:26:17,469 February of 2022 . Um essentially 668 00:26:17,479 --> 00:26:19,479 attacking its democratic sovereign 669 00:26:19,489 --> 00:26:23,329 neighbor , unprovoked October 7 Hamas 670 00:26:23,339 --> 00:26:25,930 killed over 1200 innocent civilians , 671 00:26:25,939 --> 00:26:28,119 took over 250 hostages , half of whom 672 00:26:28,130 --> 00:26:31,770 are still being held today . Uh And you 673 00:26:31,780 --> 00:26:34,160 continue to see uh the brutality of 674 00:26:34,170 --> 00:26:36,520 Hamas in terms of embedding itself 675 00:26:36,530 --> 00:26:39,500 within mosques , schools , hospitals , 676 00:26:39,540 --> 00:26:41,596 building a tunnel network underneath 677 00:26:41,596 --> 00:26:43,707 Gaza instead of spending money on the 678 00:26:43,707 --> 00:26:45,651 citizens that it's purportedly was 679 00:26:45,651 --> 00:26:47,609 supposed to help govern a tunnel 680 00:26:47,619 --> 00:26:49,786 network . Oh , by the way , that's the 681 00:26:49,786 --> 00:26:52,008 size of New York City and goes multiple 682 00:26:52,008 --> 00:26:55,479 levels uh below the surface . So again , 683 00:26:55,489 --> 00:26:57,839 when it comes to the death of any 684 00:26:57,849 --> 00:27:00,000 civilian from a department of defense 685 00:27:00,010 --> 00:27:01,843 standpoint , it's absolutely not 686 00:27:01,843 --> 00:27:04,010 something we want to see . And this is 687 00:27:04,010 --> 00:27:05,788 something that we constantly uh 688 00:27:05,788 --> 00:27:07,843 repeatedly publicly and privately uh 689 00:27:07,843 --> 00:27:10,119 discuss with our Israeli counterparts . 690 00:27:10,300 --> 00:27:12,750 I think this is also why it's vital 691 00:27:12,760 --> 00:27:15,380 that this cease fire uh be signed 692 00:27:15,390 --> 00:27:17,540 immediately and that the hostages can 693 00:27:17,550 --> 00:27:19,900 be returned so that this war in Gaza 694 00:27:19,910 --> 00:27:22,260 can end and innocent civilians can stop 695 00:27:22,270 --> 00:27:24,381 suffering whether they be Palestinian 696 00:27:24,381 --> 00:27:26,859 or Israeli . So the , the distinction 697 00:27:26,869 --> 00:27:28,480 real quick though was on the 698 00:27:28,480 --> 00:27:30,480 provocation . And so are you saying 699 00:27:30,480 --> 00:27:32,480 that the , the tens of thousands of 700 00:27:32,480 --> 00:27:34,591 ethnic Russians in the don't who were 701 00:27:34,591 --> 00:27:36,758 killed prior to the war ? That was not 702 00:27:36,758 --> 00:27:38,925 a provocation , the record high deaths 703 00:27:38,925 --> 00:27:40,758 in the West Bank . That wasn't a 704 00:27:40,758 --> 00:27:42,702 provocation of Hamas . Yes , sir . 705 00:27:42,702 --> 00:27:44,869 Thank you , General . How do you , how 706 00:27:44,869 --> 00:27:44,030 do you determine that ? I answer a 707 00:27:44,060 --> 00:27:47,160 couple of questions . Uh The Iranian 708 00:27:47,170 --> 00:27:49,839 proce groups in Iraq say they have post 709 00:27:49,849 --> 00:27:53,770 their attacks on US forces . Uh But 710 00:27:53,780 --> 00:27:57,250 as long as the Imam Al Hussein al end , 711 00:27:57,400 --> 00:27:59,989 they will resume their attacks as long 712 00:28:00,000 --> 00:28:02,056 as the US forces remain in Iraq . Do 713 00:28:02,056 --> 00:28:04,389 you have any comment on it again ? Look , 714 00:28:04,389 --> 00:28:07,290 our relationship with Iraq is a strong 715 00:28:07,300 --> 00:28:09,467 one . We're there at the invitation of 716 00:28:09,467 --> 00:28:11,300 the government of Iraq and we'll 717 00:28:11,300 --> 00:28:13,780 continue to have the discussions 718 00:28:13,790 --> 00:28:15,957 through the Higher Military Commission 719 00:28:15,957 --> 00:28:18,050 and through our US , Iraq joint 720 00:28:18,060 --> 00:28:20,589 security cooper dialogue to look at uh 721 00:28:20,599 --> 00:28:22,377 not only what the future of the 722 00:28:22,377 --> 00:28:24,479 coalition is , um but also what our 723 00:28:24,489 --> 00:28:27,140 longer term uh us Iraq bilateral 724 00:28:27,150 --> 00:28:29,317 security relationship will be . And so 725 00:28:29,317 --> 00:28:31,539 again , we'll have much more to provide 726 00:28:31,539 --> 00:28:33,594 on that in the future . I just don't 727 00:28:33,594 --> 00:28:35,817 have any updates to provide right now . 728 00:28:35,817 --> 00:28:37,539 The deputy head of the Russian 729 00:28:37,539 --> 00:28:39,594 Reconciliation Center in Syria state 730 00:28:39,594 --> 00:28:41,817 that an American fighter jet approached 731 00:28:41,817 --> 00:28:45,030 uh Russian aircraft dangerously . I 732 00:28:45,040 --> 00:28:47,207 don't have anything on that . Thanks . 733 00:28:47,207 --> 00:28:48,929 All right , thanks very much , 734 00:28:48,929 --> 00:28:49,469 everybody . Appreciate it . Ok .