Austin reiterates US and NATO’s long-term commitment to Ukraine
To counter Russian aggression
US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the United States and NATO to a free and sovereign Ukraine.
Austin delivered the statement at a news conference held at NATO headquarters in Brussels on October 18, 2024, following a defence ministerial meeting focused on Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia. The statement underscored the alliance’s resolve amid escalating tensions.
“Our NATO allies, alongside countries of goodwill around the world, continue to stand up for Ukraine’s sovereignty and self-defence,” Austin declared. He emphasised that the United States and its allies are determined to support Ukraine “for the long haul,” reinforcing the bonds of solidarity within the alliance.
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Austin outlined two primary objectives for providing Ukraine with the necessary support to counter Russian aggression.
The first is focused on immediate battlefield needs. “We’re committed to providing Ukraine what it requires to be successful on the battlefield today,” he stated, highlighting Ukraine’s remarkable resilience against the most significant military in Europe.
“For over two and a half years, Ukraine has successfully defended its territory, and Kyiv remains standing,” he added, noting that Russian President Vladimir Putin has yet to achieve any strategic objectives in the conflict.
Austin’s second objective is to ensure that Ukraine is equipped with the resources needed to deter and defend against future aggression.
Coalition support
He detailed several capability coalitions established to support Ukraine, including an air force coalition that has supplied F-16 fighter jets, an artillery coalition providing long-term artillery and ammunition support, and an information technology coalition that helps Ukraine maintain operational effectiveness in the information domain.
“These coalitions are designed to ensure that Ukraine has what it needs to deter aggression and defend itself going forward,” Austin explained. He praised the contributions of allies and partners leading these initiatives, commending their dedication to rallying support for Ukraine.
When questioned about his stance on the victory plan presented by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to his parliament earlier this week, Austin refrained from endorsing or evaluating the plan publicly.
However, he assured the US and its allies would continue providing security assistance to support Zelenskyy’s objectives. “We have been supporting him with significant security assistance for over two and a half years, and we will keep doing that,” Austin affirmed.
Beyond the immediate context of Ukraine, Austin reiterated NATO’s collective defence commitment under Article Five, which mandates mutual defence among member states.
“The US commitment to Article Five remains ironclad,” he stressed. “We will defend the sovereignty and territory of every member country of this alliance, whatever changes lie ahead. We will tackle them together.”
According to Austin, this commitment to solidarity is what makes NATO “the greatest defensive alliance in history”. His remarks not only reinforce the United States’ support for Ukraine but also reaffirm NATO’s collective strength and unity in the face of global challenges. As the situation evolves, the US and its allies remain steadfast in their resolve to ensure a free and secure future for Ukraine and all member nations.
Featured image: US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin addresses the media at NATO headquarters in Brussels on October 18, 2024. Credit: Chad McNeeley/Pentagon
