Nov. 30, 2022

Austin Thanks France for Assisting in Ukraine's Defense

Pentagon — The United States is grateful for France's contribution to Ukraine's fight to defend itself, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said during a meeting with French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu at the Pentagon.

Sept. 30, 2022

Standardized Materiel Could Bolster Ukraine's Defense, Says Official

BRUSSELS — With the aim of providing long-term support to Ukraine, allies and partners recognize the importance of standardizing systems and munitions, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment said.

Sept. 18, 2022

Aid Earmarked for Ukraine Includes Cold Weather Gear

WASHINGTON — The latest $600 million transfer of U.S. military assistance approved by President Biden brings the total given to Ukraine to $15.1 billion since Russia's unprovoked invasion, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said.

Aug. 10, 2022

Austin's Visit to Latvia Underscores U.S. Commitment

Riga, Latvia — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III told Latvian leaders the United States will enhance its presence in the NATO front-line states and assured them that includes their country.

July 26, 2022

Military Reserve Exchange Program National Guard & Reserve Growing Partnerships to Last a Lifetime

CAMP NYMINDEGAB, Denmark — The Military Reserve Exchange Program (MREP) was hosted at Camp Nymindegab, Denmark July 1-8, 2022 by the Danish Home Guard (DHG). Over 50 reservists and National Guard members from 18 different states and Puerto Rico, combined with around 90 military members from four countries including, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania took part in this joint, multinational program. The MREP, selects United States National Guard and Reserve members from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. The selected participants are part of a one-for-one exchange of personnel from a NATO allied country.

May 23, 2022

U.S. Defense Leaders Pleased by Progress of Ukraine Contact Group

WASHINGTON — In just over a month, the Ukraine Defense Contact Group has proven its worth with donations and deliveries to the embattled country, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said.

April 20, 2022

Poland Will Increase Defense Spending

WASHINGTON — During a meeting with Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the Pentagon, Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said his country will increase its defense spending to 3% of gross domestic product.

Feb. 26, 2022

U.S. Continues Providing Arms for Ukraine's Defense Against Russian Aggression

WASHINGTON — Ukrainian resistance to invading forces is stiffer than Russia expected, as the U.S. and NATO continue to supply security assistance to Ukraine, a senior defense official said.

Jan. 28, 2022

U.S., in Lockstep With NATO Allies, Calls on Putin to Stand Down

WASHINGTON — The United States is in lockstep with NATO allies in calling for Russian President Vladimir Putin to de-escalate his country's situation with Ukraine, U.S. defense leaders said.

Jan. 25, 2022

Additional Security Assistance Headed to Ukraine

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden has explained to Russian President Vladimir Putin that there will be "severe consequences," largely economic, if there were to be a Russian invasion of Ukraine, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said.

Dec. 13, 2021

U.S., Lithuania Sign Agreement to Further Military Interoperability

WASHINGTON — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III welcomed Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas to the Pentagon for meetings and to sign a reciprocal defense procurement agreement that aims to strengthen deterrence in Europe.

Oct. 6, 2021

Official Says Peace, Security in Middle East Are Possible Through Partnerships

WASHINGTON — Integrated deterrence and a whole-of-government approach with allies and partners across the Middle East are key to enabling peace and stability in the region, a Defense Department official said.

Aug. 31, 2021

U.S., Ukraine Leaders Discuss Strategic Partnership During Pentagon Meeting

WASHINGTON — The United States will continue to urge Russia to end its illegal occupation of Ukraine's Crimea and looks to strengthen bonds with Ukraine, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said.

June 30, 2021

U.S., German Leaders Talk at Pentagon, Visit Carrier in Norfolk

PENTAGON — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III welcomed German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer to the Pentagon and discussed the many ways U.S. and German service members work together to preserve peace and international order.

June 11, 2021

Border Barrier Money Returns, Ukraine Aid Package Announced

PENTAGON — The Biden administration's cancellation of border barriers returns $2.2 billion to the Defense Department, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said.

April 29, 2021

Defense Official Says Partnerships Vital to Holding Russia Accountable in Eurasia

WASHINGTON — A Defense official says Russian influence and meddling in nations around the Mediterranean and the Middle East have been characterized as destabilizing and opportunistic and pose concerns for regional security and stability.

April 15, 2021

Partnerships Are Vital to U.S. Military, Security Challenges in Europe

WASHINGTON — U.S. partnerships and alliances are critical to combatting unwelcome actions by adversaries, such as those stemming from Russian aggression, two key defense officials told the House Armed Services Committee.

April 14, 2021

Austin Arrives in Brussels to Revitalize U.S. Engagement With NATO Allies

BRUSSELS, Belgium — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III arrived in Brussels for meetings with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. It's the first in-person meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Feb. 24, 2021

Allies, Partners Critical to U.S. European Command

STUTTGART, Germany — U.S. European Command works closely with U.S. allies and partners to address evolving challenges posed by its adversaries to secure peace and to protect U.S. interests abroad, its commander said.

Dec. 2, 2020

US and EU military leaders engage in virtual panel to further transatlantic cooperation

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. — “I wish to stress that I am particularly impressed by those who decide to serve in the military in addition to their professional occupation in the civilian world”, said Stavros Lambrinidis, Ambassador of the European Union to the United States. “Those composing the military reserve forces enhance military readiness. They contribute their rich and diverse skills to the missions of armed forces, and they demonstrate a deep personal commitment to the defense of their nation and their allies.”

Nov. 5, 2020

Women, Security, Peace Initiative Militarily Effective

WASHINGTON — The women, peace and security initiative is not only the right thing to do, but it is militarily effective, DOD officials said on the 20th anniversary of the passage of the landmark United Nations Security Council resolution.

Oct. 6, 2020

U.S., Bulgaria Chart 10-Year Road Map for Military Cooperation

BULGARIA — Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper and Bulgarian Minister of Defense Krasimir Karakachanov signed a 10-year road map charting defense cooperation between the two countries over the next decade.

Sept. 23, 2020

U.S. Works With Allies, Partners to Minimize Civilian Casualties

WASHINGTON — The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has expanded its efforts to include promotion of civilian protection in both foreign military sales and security cooperation, a Defense Department official said.

Aug. 5, 2020

Military Alliances, Partnerships Strengthened Through Defense Strategy Execution

WASHINGTON — In a rapidly changing world, the United States must strengthen relationships with existing partners and allies while also building new partnerships in order to defend its interests and values against new threats and new competitors.

April 15, 2020

NATO Defense Ministers Discuss Alliance's COVID-19 Response

NATO defense ministers have reviewed the alliance's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and agreed upon the next steps to take, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said.