US President Joe Biden makes remarks on infrastructure projects at the Portsmouth Port Authority in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA, April 19, 2022. REUTERS / Jonathan Ernst
Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com
I’m registering
WASHINGTON, April 20 (Reuters) – President Joe Biden convened US military leaders on Wednesday at an annual meeting at the White House, which has become particularly important as Ukraine’s war enters a new risk phase and Washington plans more weapons aid.
“A variety of topics” have been identified for discussion by Defense Minister Lloyd Austin, General Mark Millie, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and senior military leaders, a National Security Council spokesman said. The event includes an official meeting of the West Wing, as well as dinner at the president’s residence with the leaders’ husbands afterwards.
Although the annual meeting on military policy rarely makes news, important issues are on the agenda this year, led by the conflict in Ukraine, which authorities fear could threaten European security for years to come.
Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com
I’m registering
Russia has said it has entered a new phase of its operation and is methodically seeking to “liberate” the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine. The Western allies expect that Russia’s campaign could last for many months, be at a dead end and test the fighting skills of Ukrainian fighters.
Opening the meeting, Biden emphasized the toughness of the Ukrainian military and said NATO unity shocked Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“They are tougher and prouder than I thought; “I’m amazed at what they’re doing with your help,” Biden said. “I do not think Putin relied on this to keep us together.
The United States is expected to announce another package of military aid to Ukraine in the coming days, which could correspond to the $ 800 million promised last week. Read more
Russia says it launched what it calls a “special military operation” on February 24 to demilitarize and “denationalize” Ukraine. Kyiv and its Western allies reject this as a false pretext.
American forces are not fighting in Ukraine, but are indirectly engaged, arming, training and financing Kyiv’s forces.
Prolonged clashes may also test US public support for Washington’s support for Ukraine. Last month, Biden asked Congress for record peacetime spending for the military for the upcoming fiscal year. Read more
The meeting comes amid questions about the future of NATO forces in Europe, including whether to establish a permanent presence on the eastern border of the defense alliance with Russia.
During a brief part of the meeting, which was open to reporters, Biden also expressed pride that the women represented three of the senior officials involved in the gathering.
Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com
I’m registering
Report by Trevor Hanniat; Edited by Heather Timmons and Cynthia Osterman
Our standards: Thomson Reuters’ principles of trust.
Add Comment