This article is published in Aerospace Daily & Defense Report part of Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN), and is complimentary through Dec 18, 2024. For information on becoming an AWIN Member to access more content like this, click here.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks at the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, California.
SIMI VALLEY, California—U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Dec. 7 rolled out the latest large tranche of aid for Ukraine totaling almost $1 billion as he faced up to an uncertain future for supplying Kyiv and his own department’s legacy on the issue.
The fresh package includes new production of uncrewed aerial systems, artillery munitions and support for maintenance.
Under the administration of President Joe Biden, the Pentagon has committed to more than $62 billion in military support for Ukraine amid Russia’s full-scale invasion. The administration has about $5 billion more in authorized aid before leaving office. President-elect Donald Trump has a more uncertain view on continuing aid for Ukraine.
“We can continue to stand up to the Kremlin. Or we can let Putin have his way—and condemn our children and grandchildren to live in a world of chaos and conflict,” Austin said Dec. 7 in an address at the Reagan National Defense Forum here in Simi Valley, California. “This administration has made its choice. And so has a bipartisan coalition in Congress. The next administration must make its own choice.”
Austin said since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, Russia has suffered at least 700,000 casualties and spent more than $200 billion. Recently, Russia has taken up to a thousand casualties a day.
“We understand that Putin’s assault on Ukraine is a warning … We are seeing a sneak preview of a world built by tyrants and thugs—a chaotic, violent world carved into spheres of influence, a world where bullies trample their smaller neighbors and a world where aggressors force free people to live in fear,” Austin told the audience of lawmakers, Defense Department officials and industry representatives.
Despite the continued aid, Russia has made progress in its invasion in recent months. The same day as Austin’s address, Trump was in Paris and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump, in a social media post, called for an immediate ceasefire.
At the forum, lawmakers called for continued support for Ukraine while also criticizing the current Biden administration for a lack of a coherent strategy or message on the issue.
Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), said Washington must communicate better with the public on what the endgame of the conflict is. The current administration did not act quickly enough in sending what was needed, and now the spending also needs to be balanced with what is required for homeland protection.
Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), the current ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, said the early messaging to Capitol Hill was relatively clear: a sovereign Ukraine, and no war with Russia. However, that became garbled as the war continued. Yet Smith said that unclear messaging does not mean Ukraine should be abandoned.
“I am urging the incoming administration to keep supporting Ukraine if you really want them to survive,” Smith said.
Related Content
