Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday convened a virtual meeting with dozens of allies supporting Ukraine from his home where he’s recovering from prostate cancer treatment that led to a hospital stay kept secret for a time from the president, Congress and the public.
The gathering came amid persistent concerns that political and military support for Kyiv as it fights off a Russian invading force is weakening in Western capitals as the war nears its third year next month.
In prepared remarks to the countries that have pledged support for Ukraine in its war with Russia, Mr. Austin said he was “feeling good” and looking forward to returning to work at the Pentagon “very soon.” The coalition of more than 50 countries has pledged more than $80 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022, but the status of future aid is far more uncertain.
Ukrainian officials said Tuesday Russia had carried out yet another wave of attacks, targeting Kyiv and Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city. At least eight people were reported killed and 70 wounded in the latest attacks. The Kremlin denied Tuesday that its attacks are targeting civilian sites.
The Pentagon last month announced its latest package of security assistance, which included $250 million worth of air defense munitions, 155 and 105 mm artillery ammo, and medical equipment, among other items drawn from U.S. military stockpiles.
The U.S. hasn’t offered additional material support to Kyiv since then because funds for replenishing the supply have run out and a $64 billion package proposed by the White House has stalled on Capitol Hill.
That didn’t stop Mr. Austin from urging other countries to “dig deep” and provide Ukraine with ground-based air defense systems and interceptors.
“Let’s be clear: Our support for Ukraine’s struggle against tyranny makes all of our countries more secure,” he said in the virtual meeting. “If we lose our nerve, if we flinch, if we fail to deter other would-be aggressors, we will only invite even more bloodshed and chaos.”
On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer said the chamber is continuing to work toward reaching a bipartisan agreement that would include the new money for Ukraine. The New York Democrat warned that time is running short and the world is watching the vote.
“Ukraine is already running low on armaments and munitions that were in large part provided by the United States. A mere month from now, the tide of the war could turn greatly in Russia’s favor to the detriment of the West,” Mr. Schumer said Monday from the Senate floor. “If America comes up short, if we abandon Ukraine in their fight against Putin, the consequences will reverberate for years.”
Mr. Austin said he’s grateful for the countries that have led “capability coalitions” supporting Ukraine’s air force, ground-based air defense capabilities, field artillery, maritime operations, de-mining and information technology.
“That’s just another reminder of how much we can do when we come together. The security of the entire international community is on the line in Ukraine‘s fight,” he said.
While Mr. Putin’s goal to quickly overwhelm his smaller neighbor with firepower ultimately failed, Russian invaders are continuing to launch assaults against Ukrainian front-line troops while targeting cities and key infrastructure with missiles and drones, Assistant Defense Secretary Celeste Wallander told reporters at the Pentagon.
“The more Putin tries to impose his imperial vision through violence, the more Ukraine resists and the more Ukraine’s allies and partners come together,” said Ms. Wallander, who led the U.S. delegation in Tuesday’s virtual meeting.
Ukrainian government and military officials are relaying reports from soldiers who are worried about their ammunition supplies running out while fighting continues on the front line.
“That is one of the reasons we have been focusing on the need to answer Congress’ questions so that they are able to move forward on a decision to pass a supplemental,” Ms. Wallander said.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg outlined the alliance’s plan to ramp up the production of ammunition, including the recent purchase of 1,000 Patriot interceptor missiles badly needed to fight off Russian drone and missile barrages. He also announced that NATO is purchasing about 220,000 155 mm artillery shells in a $1.2 billion deal.
“This will replenish allies’ stocks as they continue to bolster Ukraine’s defenses” NATO officials said in a statement.
The war in Ukraine, soon to reach its second anniversary, now stands at a turning point. American aid has been exhausted and the only way to provide more assistance is through Congressional action, Mr. Schumer said.
“We cannot afford to go down a dark and ominous road where we abandon Ukraine,” he said. “The eyes of the world are watching closely what we do and how we respond.”
• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.
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