NATO Secretary General - Doorstep statement at
Foreign Ministers Meeting,
03 APR 2024

Good morning.

Foreign Ministers will meet today and tomorrow to mark NATO’s 75th anniversary, and to prepare for our Summit in Washington in July.

NATO was founded on a single, solemn promise: an attack on one Ally is an attack on all.

From that foundation, we have built the most powerful and successful Alliance in history.

And over the past 75 years, NATO’s Open Door has helped to spread democracy and prosperity across Europe.

As we celebrate NATO's achievements, we do not rest upon them.

Europe now faces war on a scale we thought was resigned to history.

In recent days, the Kremlin has launched new major attacks, striking Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure.

And Russia continues to press along the frontlines.

So we must stand firm in our support to Ukraine.

And I welcome that Allies continue to make major deliveries of weapons, ammunition, and equipment.

But Ukraine has urgent needs.  

Any delay in providing support has consequences on the battlefield as we speak.

So we need to shift the dynamics of our support.

We must ensure reliable and predictable security assistance to Ukraine for the long haul.

So that we rely less on voluntary contributions and more on NATO commitments.

Less on short-term offers and more on multi-year pledges.

therefore Ministers will discuss how NATO could assume more responsibility for coordinating military equipment and training for Ukraine anchoring this within a robust NATO framework.

We will also discuss a multi-year financial commitment to sustain our support.

This ministerial will set the stage for achieving consensus on these issues as we prepare for the Washington Summit.

NATO Allies provide 99 percent of all military support to Ukraine.

So doing more under NATO would make our efforts more efficient, and more effective.

Moscow needs to understand that they cannot achieve their goals on the battlefield and they cannot wait us out.

Tomorrow we will hold a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council.

With Minister Kuleba, we will address the current situation and Ukraine’s needs both now and for the future.

We are transforming NATO’s comprehensive assistance package into a multi-year programme of assistance.

We are helping Ukraine move closer to NATO, NATO standards on everything from procurement to logistics.

And we are supporting Ukraine’s reform efforts to bring Ukraine ever closer to the Alliance.

Ukraine will become a member of NATO.

It is a question of when, not if.

Tomorrow, we will also meet with our Indo-Pacific partners: Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea.

Together with the European Union.

We know that our security is not regional – it is global.

The war in Ukraine illustrates this clearly.

Russia’s friends in Asia are vital for continuing its war of aggression.

China is propping up Russia’s war economy.

In return, Moscow is mortgaging its future to Beijing.

North Korea and Iran are delivering substantial supplies of weapons and ammunition.

In return, Pyongyang and Tehran are receiving Russian technology and supplies that help them advance their missile and nuclear capabilities.

This has regional and global security consequences.

So like-minded nations around the world need to stand together.

To defend a global order ruled by law, not by force.

Tomorrow we will discuss how best to work together towards this end.

We also have much to gain from practical cooperation – including on technology, cyber, and hybrid threats.

As well as support to Ukraine.

All of this matters for European security.

And for Indo-Pacific security.

Countering rising global threats requires sustained spending.

A record number of Allies will meet NATO’s 2 percent of GDP spending target this year.

And I look forward to further progress.

At our ministerial, we will also discuss how to address instability in our southern neighbourhood.

Including the continuing threat of terrorism.

We will also agree a new policy on Women, Peace and Security.

Because our societies are stronger and safer when we draw on the contributions of all our people.

And with that, I am happy to take some questions.

Lorne Cook, Associated Press

Secretary General, I understand you've been working on an idea of perhaps more predictable longer term support for Ukraine that might involve the transfer of the Ukrainian contact group to NATO control, perhaps also some finances. Could you tell us a bit more about it and why it's important, please.

NATO Secretary General

Well, I see that you have been briefed on the proposal, but I will not go into the details of the proposal. What I can say is that I welcome that Allies agree that we need to sustain our support to Ukraine, we need to make it more robust and therefore we are now discussing ways to institutionalize more of the support within a NATO framework to make it more predictable to make it more robust, because we strongly believe that support Ukraine should be less dependent on short term voluntary offers and more dependent on long term NATO commitments. By doing that, we will give Ukraine what they need. And that is long term, predictable, robust support. And that will also send a message to Moscow that they cannot wait us out. And the reality is that if you want this war to end, the sooner we can convince Moscow that they will not win on the battlefield, that they cannot wait us out, the sooner we can then be able to reach a peace agreement where Russia realized that that they cannot win the war, but have to sit down and negotiate an agreement where Ukraine prevails as a sovereign independent nation. So a stronger NATO role in coordinating and providing support is a way to end this war in a way where Ukraine prevails. We already have a lot of coordination, 99% of the support to Ukraine comes from NATO allies and of course, I welcome that capability coalition's the Ramstein format, many other multinational and bilateral initiatives, but there is a need to give this a more robust and institutional framework to ensure predictability and commitment for the long haul.

NATO Spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah

Thank you. The next question is to Florian from ZDF

Florian Neuhann ZDF

Yes, thank you very much, Mr. Stoltenberg. That number we were briefed on is 100 billion. Can you say anything about this number, and especially if you're talking about fresh and new money or just adding up what has been promised already by member states of NATO? And the second question, are you planning to abolish the Ramstein format and really include it into NATO?

NATO Secretary General

So first, what is obvious is that we need new and more money for Ukraine and we need it over many years. And the whole idea now discussing frameworks commitments and institutionalized framework for the support is to ensure more predictability and more confidence in that moment will come every month every year for the long haul. So again, I will not go into the details. I don't, there will be no finalization at the meeting today and tomorrow, we will hopefully move forward towards consensus and then we will have an agreement in place by the summit. The reason why we do this is the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine. It is serious. We see Russia is pushing and we see how they try to win this war by just waiting us out. And then we need to answer by sending a clear message of practical support, financial support, and an institutional framework that ensures that we are there for the long haul to be able to end the war.

So I'm absolutely certain that I agree that we need more money, we need new money. We need it for many years. What we are now discussing is exactly the framework to establish that. Whatever we do, of course, will be closely coordinated with all the other initiatives that NATO allies are part of. NATO as part of the Ramstein group. NATO allies are part of their own subgroup. 99% of the NATO support provided to the Ramstein group is provided by NATO allies. We meet here at the NATO Headquarters we discussed this issue both at the Rammstein format and headquarters with the discussed about NATO, the ministerial meetings, it's very much the same people are not actually the people responsible for delivering the support today, it's actually many of them working for NATO allies, all of them are working for NATO allies. And the General responsible for the whole logistics, then the support that goes to Poland to the hub in Poland and all the work in this problem that underpins the work. That's General Cavoli and General Cavoli is the US commander in Europe, but General Cavoli is also the NATO commander in Europe. And of course, I think that General Cavoli can coordinate with General Cavoli. It's the same man, the same people the same countries the same money from the same countries. So of course, NATO allies will be able to coordinate. Now we're discussing how to have the best institutions, the best commitments, and the best framework to ensure efficiency, predictability, political oversight, and that we have the endurance needed to ensure that Ukraine prevails.

NATO Spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah

Thank you. The next question is the colleague from European Pravda.

European Pravda

Thanks so much. Mr. Secretary Generals, two quick questions. First, could you please prepare us on what's going to be discussed at the NATO Ukraine Council and whether those things that you mentioned regarding Ukraine support long term commitments are going to be part of that? Second question. Ukrainian leadership has been claiming that Russia is preparing a major counter offensive to take place in May or June. So what is NATO's assessment of that? Do you see any preparations any military build-up on the part of Russia to do that? Thank you.

NATO Secretary General

Well, we see a constant Russian military build-up, we see how they are receiving ammunition and weapons from North Korea and Iran. A significant amount of weapons and ammunition. We see on (that) Russia has been able to put the economy on a war footing, and we see how Russia Moscow is willing to pay a very high price in terms of men and material in (for) marginal gains on the Ukrainian battlefield with little to no respect for human lives. So this is of course, the reason why the situation on the battle frontline is so difficult, is so challenging. And that's exactly the reason why we need to do more from NATO allies. Both the urgent need for more air defence for more artillery, but also the more long term institutionalized effort of establishing the frameworks the structures, moving away from short term announcements, short terms offers to long term real commitments, multi year commitments to ensure the predictability and the sustainability of our support to address exactly what we have seen coming from Russia, military build-up over a long time.

NATO Spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah

Thank you very much. We'll move over to New Zealand TV.

New Zealand TV

How important is it that the Indo Pacific partners continue to give to Ukraine as well? And how important is it that they're here for these next two days?

NATO Secretary General

I welcome very much that our Indo Pacific partners take part in our foreign ministers meeting in Brussels today and tomorrow. I just met with the Foreign Minister of New Zealand. We had a very good discussion, and it reflects the fact that our security is not regional our security is global. What happens in Ukraine matters for Asia. The more successful Putin is in Ukraine, the more likely it is that we can see something similar happen in the South China Sea. And we see also how Russia's friends in Asia are helping him supporting his war of aggression against Ukraine. Iran and North Korea are key providers of weapons and ammunition to Russia. So this just highlights that security in Asia is intertwined with security in Europe and for the Asia and the Pacific is important for us.

I welcome the fact that I have now invited for the third time, the Heads of State and government from New Zealand, Australia, Japan and South Korea, our partners of the Asia Pacific to attend the summit in Washington in July. This reflects that we are actually doing more together. And I believe I announced and I welcome that we are now discussing also flagship projects. How we could do more on cyber, on resilience, also in providing support to Ukraine and I commend New Zealand and other partners in the region for actually being major providers of non-lethal support to NATO's comprehensive assistance package for Ukraine. So, yeah, we welcome them, it's great to have such strong partners.

NATO Spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah

Thank you. We'll take one final question from Alexandra.

Question

Hello, thank you. And will and how will hopefully Ukraine contact group be instilled in the NATO organism. And is it a form of a Trump proof measure? Does it indicate that NATO is concerned with the possibility of Trump presidency?

NATO Secretary General

He (So) first of all, again, NATO is part of the contact group. The contact Group has done extremely important work and has been key in delivering support, and NATO allies have delivered unprecedented level of military support to Ukraine, not least organized by the UDCG, the Ukraine defence contact group, the Ramstein format.  And as I said we were able to coordinate with existing structures, because it's very much the same people in charge of everything, here it is General Cavoli who is the US commander, but at the same time also the NATO commander, so of course, this will be coordinated. Then, then what was the next question?

Question

… Trump proof measure?

NATO Secretary General

Well, the reason why we discussed this is that we see the situation on the battlefield. We see how demanding and difficult the situation is in Ukraine. So therefore we welcome everything NATO allies have done. At the same time we see that we need to do more; it's not enough. And Ukrainians they need more support, but they also need more predictable and long term support. So it's possible to plan to organize and launch offensives that then you need long term planning you need to know what you are going to have and what type of equipment and what kind of support and what kind of maintenance. And this requires stronger institutionalized framework to deliver a more robust and predictable support to Ukraine. So that's the reason why we're discussing this. It's a reflection of the seriousness on the battlefield. Then I would like to say that of course we all believe it's important, or I strongly believe it's important that allies make decisions fast. And that includes, of course, the United States, because the United States is not the only supporter for Ukraine. Actually, European Allies and Canada are providing roughly 50% of their military support to Ukraine. So this is really a shared effort by the United States and the European allies and Canada. But of course, United States is the biggest ally and is providing the most military support. And the fact that there has been no agreement in the US Congress on a supplemental or continued this support has consequences. That's one of the reasons why the Ukrainian have to ration the number of artillery shells, why they have problems standing up against the Russian force with overwhelming military power because they're able to outgun them with more ammunition and more artillery. And the answer to that is to then make the decisions and not least in the US Congress. Any delay has real consequences on the battlefield. I met senators, members of the House of Representatives and they’ve all assured me that there is a big majority in the US Congress for support. So the issue is now to turn that majority into a vote from decision. And I hope that's going to happen as soon as possible. It also brings majority in the US public for continued support to Ukraine. So I expect the US now to make a decision because it's in the US security interest to ensure that President Putin doesn't prevail in Ukraine, not least because this will also encourage other authoritarian leaders, including Beijing to use military force and violate international law.

NATO Spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah

Thank you. There will be opportunities for more questions this afternoon. Thank you.

Historic Moment: The Swedish flag was raised at NATO Headquarters for the first time on Monday 11 March 2024

According to NATO  News dated March 11th, 2024: The Swedish flag was raised at NATO Headquarters for the first time on Monday (11 March 2024) in a ceremony to mark the country’s membership of the Alliance. Sweden became NATO’s 32nd Ally on 7 March upon depositing its instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty with the United States government in Washington D.C.

The Swedish flag was raised at NATO Headquarters for the first time on Monday (11 March 2024) in a ceremony to mark the country’s membership of the Alliance. Sweden became NATO’s 32nd Ally on 7 March upon depositing its instrument of accession to the North Atlantic Treaty with the United States government in Washington D.C.

Raising of the flag of Sweden during the Accession Ceremony

The Secretary General welcomed Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to NATO Headquarters for a flag-raising ceremony to mark Sweden’s accession. Speaking ahead of the ceremony, the Secretary General thanked Prime Minister Kristersson for his strong personal leadership and commitment to leading Sweden into NATO. He said: “Sweden has taken its rightful place at NATO’s table under the shield of Article 5 protection – the ultimate guarantee of our freedom and security. All for one and one for all.”

Sweden’s flag was hoisted to join the flags of the other 31 Allies, as the Swedish national anthem and the NATO hymn were played. Flag-raising ceremonies took place simultaneously at Allied Command Operations (SHAPE) in Mons (Belgium) and Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk, Virginia (United States). Standing alongside Prime Minister Kristersson, the Secretary General said: “Sweden’s accession shows again that NATO’s door remains open. No one can close it. Every nation has the right to choose its own path, and we all choose the path of freedom and democracy.”

Noting that NATO will mark its 75th anniversary this year, Mr Stoltenberg underlined that the transatlantic bond between Europe and North America has ensured our freedom and security. Sweden will help to build an even stronger NATO at a critical time for Euro-Atlantic security, he said, adding that “joining NATO is good for Sweden, good for stability in the North, and good for the security of our whole Alliance.”

FEBRUARY 26, 2024

Statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on the Hungarian Parliament’s Ratification of
Sweden’s NATO Accession Process

STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

 

The United States welcomes the Hungarian parliament’s overwhelming vote today to approve Sweden’s application to join NATO, and we urge the Hungarian government to complete the process so we can welcome Sweden into our Alliance.  We look forward to Hungary signing and depositing the instrument of ratification without delay.  Like Finland, which recently joined our Alliance, Sweden is a strong democracy with a highly capable military that shares our values and vision for the world.  Having Sweden as a NATO Ally will make the United States and our Allies even safer.  NATO is the most powerful defensive alliance in the history of the world, and it is as critical today to ensuring the security of our citizens as it was 75 years ago when our Alliance was founded out of the wreckage of World War II.

 

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FEBRUARY 27, 2024

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing

 

MAJOR GENERAL PAT RYDER: All right, good afternoon, everyone. Just a few things to pass along here at the top and then we'll get right to your questions.

First, the department welcomes the Hungarian Parliament's vote this week to approve Sweden's application to join NATO, and we look forward to the Hungarian government quickly completing the process so we can welcome Sweden into our alliance.

                                                                                         

Sweden is a strong and capable defense partner with a highly capable military, something that Secretary Austin was able to see firsthand during his visit there last year. And we look very forward to formally welcoming Sweden as the 32nd member of the NATO alliance.

                                                                                         

Shifting gears, I'd like to spend a moment to underscore the urgent need for Congress to pass the department's request for a Fiscal Year 2024 base budget. As you've heard department leaders and others say, continuing to operate under Continuing Resolutions is unsustainable and detrimental to our nation's national security interests.

 

Notably, the absence of an appropriation bill for the fiscal year severely hampers the department's ability to plan effectively. We are already well into the fiscal year, now in our fifth month, and unfortunately find ourselves again under a third Continuing Resolution.

 

The fact is that this uncertainty undermines our military readiness and jeopardizes critical modernization efforts. The cumulative effect of spending years under CRs, dating back to 2011, is deeply concerning. That amounts to nearly five years of constrained funding levels, impeding the DOD's capacity to adapt to evolving threats and innovate to maintain our competitive edge.

 

Failure to pass a base budget for the DOD not only risks our national security but also obstructs crucial investments in new technologies, equipment, and personnel training, which are essential for maintaining readiness and staying ahead in an increasingly complex global landscape.

 

In light of these pressing concerns, the department will continue to work closely with Congress and urge them to act now to pass a base budget for the Department of Defense for Fiscal Year 2024. The bottom line is that a full year appropriation is crucial for safeguarding our nation's security and ensuring our military remains prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

 

Separately, earlier today, the Director of the Army National Guard Lieutenant General Jon A. Jensen announced an aviation safety stand down for all Army National Guard helicopter units to review safety policies and procedures following two recent helicopter incidents. Two separate crashes of AH-64D Apache helicopters in Utah on February 12 and Mississippi on February 23 respectively, drove the decision to ground all helicopters for safety reasons.

 

In the order, which went into effect on Monday, Lieutenant General Jensen said, quote, "safety is always at the top of our minds. We will stand down to ensure all of our crews are prepared as well as possible for whatever they're asked to do," end quote. For more information, I'd encourage you to reach out to the National Guard Bureau.

 

And switching to exercise updates, two U.S. Africa Command exercises started yesterday, both of which run through March 8. Justified Accord 2024 is U.S. Africa Command's largest exercise in East Africa, which is led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force Africa and hosted in Kenya. This year's exercise will incorporate approximately 1,000 personnel and units from 23 nations.

 

Additionally, Exercise Cutlass Express 2024, conducted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa, will take place in the vicinity of Kenya, Seychelles, and Djibouti. The U.S. forces will work alongside participating nations to improve combined maritime law enforcement capacity, promote national and regional security in East Africa, and increase interoperability between the U.S., African, and multinational partners. And for more information, I'd refer you to USAFRICOM public affairs.

 

And sticking with exercises, this week in Thailand, approximately 4,500 service members commenced the 43rd iteration of the annual theater security cooperation event known as Joint Exercise Cobra Gold. Cobra Gold is the largest joint exercise in mainland Asia and a concrete example of the strong alliance and strategic relationship between Thailand and the United States, as well as an example of the strong cooperative relationship with other allies and partners participating in the exercise. For more information, please reach out to USINDOPACOM.

 

And in other Indo-Pacific-related news, on Friday, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for China, Taiwan and Mongolia Dr. Michael Chase met with Brigadier General D. Gankhuyag, State Secretary of the Mongolian Ministry of Defense, at the Pentagon for the annual Bilateral Defense Framework. Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to the U.S.-Mongolia bilateral defense relationship and agreed to advance defense cooperation on shared interests to support a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

 

And finally, the department would like to congratulate the U.S. Marine Corps. This past Friday, February 23rd, following a rigorous two year audit pilot, and for the first time in DOD history, the Marine Corps received an unmodified audit opinion, the highest audit opinion that can be achieved; or more simply stated, they passed their audit.

 

The two year audit pilot provided time for the Marine Corps to stabilize its new accounting system and to inventory assets at Marine Corps bases and stations across the globe. We celebrate the tremendous success the Marine Corps achieved in receiving the first clean audit across all military branches, and these results bring the department one step closer to achieving an overall clean report.

 

And with that, I'd be happy to take your questions. We'll go to Associated Press, Tara Copp.

 

Q: Thanks, General Ryder. Going to Ukraine, are there any other options for the U.S. to provide additional weapons to Ukraine at this point, or is it because the replenishment money is out that there simply isn't anything else that could be sent?

 

GEN. RYDER: Well, I -- Tara, you know, the bottom line is, you know, we're going to continue to look at ways that we can support Ukraine in their fight for freedom and to preserve their sovereignty. Obviously, funding to be able to provide them with vital ammunition and capabilities is critical. And so we'll continue to work with Congress in that regard.

 

In terms of specific initiatives or potential future initiatives, I don't have anything to announce today, other than to say you've heard Secretary Austin and other senior U.S. leaders highlight that we will continue to support Ukraine for the long haul.

 

Q: It doesn't seem like a -- the supplemental is making much progress in Congress. As Ukraine's needs become more dire, is the building considering taking the risk of using funds that don't have the -- the replenishment back fill, like using that leftover $4 billion or so?

 

GEN. RYDER: Again, I don't have anything to announce. We have said over and over again that Ukraine matters. We'll continue to convene the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. We'll continue to work closely with international allies and partners to ensure that we can meet Ukraine's most urgent security assistance needs, and then importantly, continue to work with Ukraine on its future defense needs, as well. But again, I don't have anything further to announce.

 

Okay. Quiet group today. Yes, sir?

 

Q: (inaudible). I have a -- two questions. First of all, each time Secretary Austin called with his Israeli counterpart, he asked to prevent the situation of Lebanon border from escalating. So is the thing we saw that Israel strike deeper into Lebanon in (inaudible). Do you have concerns of any potential for further escalation of the Lebanon border because of that?

 

GEN. RYDER: Well, I think, you know, we've been very clear from the beginning of this conflict that we've been concerned about potential escalation on the border, and so this -- as you highlight, this is a topic of discussion frequently between the secretary and his Israeli counterpart. And so that's something that we'll continue to stay focused on. I don't have any specifics in terms of Israeli operations. I'd refer you to them to discuss that. But no one wants to see the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza widened into a broader regional war.

 

Q: And second question, General: Yesterday, we heard from the president that he hopes to have a deal to cease-fire in Gaza by Monday. So how confident are you about that possibility? And from your -- your view, how is it important to have a deal in these days for the stability not just in Gaza, but for the whole of the region?

 

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, well, thank you. As it -- as it relates to those negotiations, I'd -- I'd refer you to the White House, you know. Really not my place to discuss them, other than to say, again, what we've been focused on here is the protection of U.S. citizens and service members in the region, on supporting Israel and its inherent right to defend itself from future and current terrorist attacks, as well as supporting efforts to release the hostages that Hamas took, and then again, as I highlighted earlier, preventing a wider regional conflict from occurring. So that continues to be the DOD focus, and I'll just leave it there. Thank you very much.

 

Let me go to the phone here. Idrees from Reuters?

 

Q: Yeah, two quick questions. Firstly, do you have an update on the secretary's health? Has he been back in the hospital? Has he been in to the Pentagon every day since your last readout? And secondly, there have been some sort of speculation that the Houthis may have damaged some undersea cables in the Red Sea. Is -- is that accurate? And do they even have the capability to do that?

 

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Idrees. The secretary's doing well. He continues to recover. He has not been back to the hospital since the previous visit that we read out, so appreciate your interest and obviously, we'll keep you updated on the -- on his health status. In terms of the cables, I've seen those press reports, Idrees, but I -- I don't have anything on that. We're obviously looking in that -- to that, but I -- I can't corroborate those reports. Thank you.

 

Let me go to Missy Ryan, Washington Post.

 

Q: Hi. Thank you, Pat. Just wanted to ask a -- a Ukraine-related question. The French president today gave a speech, and he was talking about Ukraine, and he said two things I was hoping to ask you about. He said first of all that the -- the -- the donations of weaponry had sometimes been too late and that they had come behind schedule. He says that -- that -- we have to have the -- that today, we've got to say that we have the humility to realize that we have als- -- often been six to 12 months behind schedule, and I'm wondering if you could comment that.

 

And secondly, he said he could not rule out Western nations sending troops to Ukraine, to operate in Ukraine. And I'm just wondering, what can you say about that? Is the U.S. in the same position where you could -- where you -- where you wouldn't be able to rule out sending American troops to Ukraine? Thanks.

 

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Missy. Well, just to be clear, we have no plans to send U.S. service members to fight in Ukraine. The president has been pretty clear on that and -- and that continues to be our position.

 

As it relates to providing assistance to Ukraine, you know, I can really only speak in broad terms, you know, from a DOD standpoint. As you know, since the beginning of Russia's invasion, we have worked very hard to get security assistance to Ukraine as quickly as possible, and it -- and it's not just a U.S. effort; it's an international effort as exemplified, again, by the monthly Ukraine Defense Contact Group meetings, as exemplified by the Security Assistance Group Ukraine, which brings nations together to help facilitate the delivery of those requests and aid to Ukraine. And so there are literally people working around the clock to ensure that we can get aid as quickly as possible to Ukraine and meet their most urgent security needs.

 

But again, as I highlighted at the top, you know, nothing gets done without funding, and so right now we will continue to work closely with Congress and continue to urge them to pass not only a supplemental request to ensure that we can provide Ukraine with the assistance they need, but also to pass a base budget, the 2024 fiscal year base budget so that we can continue to fund urgent priorities throughout the department. Thank you.

 

All right, let me go to Jeff Schogol, Task & Purpose.

 

Q: Thank you. Is there any timeline for how long all National Guard helicopter units will be grounded? And also, do you have an update of when the Ospreys might be coming back into service? Thank you.

 

GEN. RYDER: Thanks, Jeff. I do not have an update on the Ospreys. In terms of the National Guard standdown, that's really a question for them to address. My understanding is that when units have completed their safety stand down, they'll be permitted to fly again. But that is -- that's probably better addressed by the National Guard Bureau. Thanks.

 

Come back to the room. Konstantin?

 

Q: Thanks, Pat. Sticking with the -- the Army first, like, I mean, this is the -- the Army has had a series of deadly helicopter crashes for -- I mean, there's been a pattern of them. This is the second safety stand down I think they're doing in the span of a year. Does the Office of the Secretary have any concerns about the Army's aviation program?

 

GEN. RYDER: Well, look, broadly speaking, you know, safety is something that we're always going to be concerned about and take seriously, and I think, you know, not just in the Army, but in every service you will see senior leadership making safety a priority, as evidenced, again, by the fact that the National Guard Bureau recognizes, hey, we need to take a moment here to -- to stand down, review safety procedures and processes and make sure we can look each other in the eye and go out there and do our mission safely.

 

So the secretary is confident in the service secretaries and chiefs and their leadership in terms of addressing safety concerns.

 

Q: Is there any plans to have a safety review or anything like that at the Pentagon level?

 

GEN. RYDER: Nothing at the Pentagon level. Again, the services organize, train and equip forces. The combatant commands operate those forces. Certainly from the DOD level, we provide policy. But again, safety and risk management are something that -- that on every single day is taken seriously throughout the force. Thanks.

 

Lara?

 

Q: Thank you. A couple on Secretary Austin and then one on Ukraine.

 

Is Secretary Austin able to travel right now? And then also, can you clear up does he still have cancer right now or is -- does he not have cancer anymore?

 

GEN. RYDER: I'd refer you back to what we provided earlier, in terms of what his doctors have said, that -- that he has an excellent cancer prognosis, that, you know -- so I'll just refer you back to that. And then in terms of travel, I don't have any international travel to announce right now. Clearly the fact that he travels from home to work every day indicates that yes, he can travel --

 

Q: [CROSSTALK] …does he have any restrictions, in terms of travel?

 

GEN. RYDER: Not that I'm aware of. Again, my understanding is, you know, he continues to have some physical therapy due to lingering leg pains but, you know, again, he's recovering well and he's been working from the Pentagon every day.

 

Q: And then on Ukraine, is it the Pentagon's assessment right now that Ukraine needs additional long-range weaponry?

 

GEN. RYDER: Well, you know, we just convened the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which again provided an opportunity to look at all of Ukraine's needs, both near-term and long-term. And I would say that the top priority continues to be air defense capabilities. And so that's something that -- that we, along with the international community, have been working very actively on to ensure that they have those capabilities.

 

Q: What about long-range weaponry?

 

GEN. RYDER: Look, they obviously need all types of capabilities. We have provided them with some long-range capability but we'll continue to actively communicate with our Ukrainian partners in terms of what their battlefield needs are. Thanks.

 

Q: So two questions on the Red Sea. First, in terms of the undersea cables, I know you've said you can't confirm it yet, but what responsibility does the DOD have to protect those cables?

 

And then secondly, on Saturday, there was a third of joint strikes with the U.S. and UK. We've -- also saw that there was a couple minor strikes from Central Command forces. What is the DOD's rating of its effectiveness right now in degrading the Houthis' ability to strike ships in the Red Sea?

 

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks. And sorry I got your name wrong, Heather. So in terms of the cables, again, I just don't have anything to corroborate those reports, you know, in terms of commercial cables that are around the world. And so I -- you know, I don't want to get into hypotheticals, in terms of what we may or may not do as it relates to cables globally.

 

In terms of the -- the strikes that -- that CENTCOM conducted on Saturday, they're continuing to evaluate, but initial assessments indicate that 17 targets at the eight locations that we struck were destroyed or functionally damaged. And then as I -- I highlighted yesterday, that included underground weapons storage facilities, missile storage facilities, one-way attack unmanned aerial systems, air defense systems, radars, and a helicopter.

 

So more broadly speaking, since the first coalition strikes on January 11, we assess that we've destroyed or degraded at this stage more than 150 missiles and launchers, including anti-ship land attack and surface-to-air missiles, plus numerous communication capabilities, UAVs, unmanned surface vessels, coastal radars, air surveillance capabilities, rotary wing aircraft, underground facilities, to include weapons storage areas and command and control buildings. So degrading and disrupting a significant amount of capability.

 

Q: Just to quickly follow up -- like, in terms of what we're seeing, does this -- do you think that this means that we might see a -- a week-long pause in what -- their -- their ability to hit ships, or should we expect that they're going to be firing, you know, today, tomorrow, the next couple days?

 

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, again, I'm not going to try to predict the future. We've stated what our goals are, which are to safeguard international shipping and preserve freedom of navigation, and that's what we'll continue to be focused on. Clearly, we do not want escalation. We're not looking for conflict, we're simply looking to save lives and livelihoods in this region.

 

Sir?

 

Q: Thank you. A PBR question -- could you give us an update on whether the rollout of that budget request is at all contingent on the passing of a full appropriations for F.Y. '24?

 

GEN. RYDER: The -- you're talking about the F.Y. '25 budget rollout? I don't have anything for you on that right now. Obviously we'll keep you updated -- you know, we'll keep you updated on that front, so.

 

Q: -- second question on Ukraine -- could you just give us an update, speaking of updates, on the delivery of F-16s and the coalition that's providing those? Any timelines too?

 

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, I don't have any timelines to provide. As you know, there is an air capability coalition that the United States is co-chairing, that is looking at how to provide Ukraine with that air combat capability. And so we do project, again, that F-16s will be delivered this year, but I don't have any further details to provide at this stage. So again, we'll keep you posted.

 

Natasha?

 

Q: Thanks, General Ryder. Back in October, Central Command announced that it was going to be transferring thousands and thousands of rounds of ammunition that was seized from the Iranians to the Ukrainians. And I'm just wondering if there are any more of those kind of interdictions that are then going to be transferred to the Ukrainians? Given the shortages that they're facing, is that one option that is under consideration, to kind of do that more frequently?

 

And I'm also wondering separately if you can give us an update on the Rubymar, which was, I believe, sinking as of last week and leaving a pretty big oil --

 

GEN. RYDER: Yeah. So in terms of providing Ukraine with seized ammunition, I don't have anything to announce on that front. Again, you know, we're going to continue to look at ways that we can support Ukraine. You know, you've heard us say nothing's off the table, but I don't have anything specifically in regards to that -- that approach.

 

In terms of the Rubymar, I'd refer you to NAVCENT for more granular update. My understanding right now is that some vessels associated with the company that owns that ship is looking at some recovery options. But again, they'd be in a better position to talk about specifically what those are. To your point though, you know, as CENTCOM has highlighted, there is oil leaking from that ship, creating environmental impacts, which again just highlights the reckless and irresponsible nature of these Houthi attacks. Thanks.

                                                                                         

All right. Last question. Yes, ma'am?

 

Q: Thank you. Does the Pentagon assess that the Houthis are going to be a long-term problem or is it the assessment that they're going to stop attacking commercial shipping if there is a ceasefire, like the one that -- at least a pause in the fighting, like the one -- like the one that's being discussed?

 

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, look, I mean, that's really a question for the Houthis to answer, in terms of what their motivation's going to be and in terms of internal decision-making. You know, we are focused on preserving freedom of navigation, we're focused on saving lives and livelihoods in the region, as it relates to the international challenge that these attacks have presented. And so as I highlighted, we're not seeking any type of escalation, we're not seeking to go into a conflict with the Houthis. What we're simply seeking to do is ensure that international mariners can transit this vital waterway safely and securely, in accordance with international law. It's a freedom of navigation issue, and importantly, it's also a health and economic issue, especially for those in -- in the region. And what we've seen these attacks do is essentially -- you know, contrary to their stated aims, the Houthis are wrecking their own neighborhood with their indiscriminate attacks, which harm Middle Eastern economies, cause environmental damage, threaten the fishing industry, coastal communities, and imports of food supplies. Thank you.

 

And then finally before we close, I'd like to welcome our guests from American University. Is that right? All right, welcome. You guys will be up here on Thursday briefing, so, Okay, all right. Thanks very much, everybody. Appreciate it.

 

Moment Hungary’s parliament votes to
ratify Sweden's bid to join NATO

 

DOD Official Touts Sweden, Finland Joining NATO

Joint press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and
the National Security Advisor of the United States, Jake Sullivan,
7 February 2024.

National Security Advisers from all NATO Allies and invitee Sweden met in Brussels on Wednesday (7 February 2024) to discuss preparations for the Washington Summit in July, including continued support to Ukraine, strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defence, and the growing challenges posed by China.

Good afternoon.

I have just chaired a meeting of National Security Advisers from all NATO Allies.

And I am glad to be joined today by U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

Jake, it is good to see you again,

Just after we last met in Washington last week.

In our meeting today, NATO Allies discussed our preparations for the Washington Summit in July.

Including Ukraine;

Deterrence and defence;

And the growing challenge posed by China.

Today, Allies reiterated their support for Ukraine.

This is not charity.

It is in our own security interest.

 

A Russian victory would weaken us,

And embolden not just Moscow,

But also China, Iran, and North Korea.

 

That matters for Europe’s security.

And it matters for America’s security.

 

By spending a fraction of our military budgets,

We have helped Ukraine to destroy a substantial part of Russia’s combat capacity.

 

Our support is also an example of true transatlantic burden sharing.

 

Where both Europe and North America are making critical contributions to preserve Ukraine’s freedom.

 

Last week in Washington, I heard strong support for Ukraine from Congressional leaders – both Republicans and Democrats.

 

The debate continues in Washington on funding for a number of important priorities.

 

It is vital that the United States Congress agrees on continued support for Ukraine in the near future.

 

And I count on all Allies to sustain their commitment.

 

Today, we also discussed further bolstering NATO’s deterrence and defence.

 

At the Summit, we will demonstrate that we are delivering on our commitments.

 

Including by fully resourcing our new defence plans,

Investing in new capabilities,

And accelerating efforts to strengthen our transatlantic defence industrial base.

 

Since last July, NATO has agreed industry deals worth some 10 billion US dollars for ammunition.

Including 5.5 billion dollars for 1,000 more Patriot air defence missiles just last month.

A deal that will build more production capacity in Europe for this vital capability.

 

The world has become more dangerous.

But NATO has become stronger.

With more forces,

Higher readiness,

And increased defence investment.

 

We can never take peace for granted.

But we do not see any imminent threats against any NATO Ally.

 

NATO is now holding Steadfast Defender - our biggest military exercise in decades.

 

Our exercise demonstrates that there should be no room for miscalculation in Moscow about NATO’s readiness and resolve to protect all Allies.

 

In our meetings today, we also addressed the growing challenge posed by China.

Our competitors are increasingly joining forces.

And Russia's increasing cooperation with China, Iran, and North Korea raises serious concerns.

 

So it is even more important that NATO is working more closely with partners like Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.

 

Today, we also condemned Iran’s destabilising role throughout the Middle East,

Including its support for terror groups that attack Allied forces and civilian shipping.

 

Attacks by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria against U.S. forces are unacceptable.

Iran must rein in its proxies.

 

So dear Jake,

 

Thank you again for your strong personal commitment to our Alliance.

And for the extraordinary leadership of the United States and President Biden as we face global challenges.

 

Together in NATO, we will continue to protect our nations, our people and our values.

 

And we all look forward to the Summit in Washington.

 



 

JANUARY 23, 2024

Readout of National Security Advisor Sullivan’s Meeting with
Swedish National Security Advisor Henrik Landerholm

 

STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met today with National Security Advisor Henrik Landerholm of Sweden.  Mr. Sullivan underscored the United States’ strong support for Sweden joining NATO as soon as possible and applauded the Turkish parliament’s ratification of Sweden’s NATO accession today. They welcomed the recent signing of the U.S.-Sweden Defense Cooperation Agreement.  Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Landerholm emphasized their commitment to continue supporting Ukraine as it defends itself from Russia’s invasion.  They discussed the ongoing Iranian-backed Houthi attacks against merchant and naval vessels transiting the Red Sea, as well as the importance of increasing humanitarian aid and civilian protections for people in Gaza as Israel defends itself from Hamas.  They also discussed our growing bilateral cooperation on emerging technologies and the close partnership on a range of shared global challenges.

 

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