SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD J. AUSTIN III: All right, good afternoon, everyone. It's great to be back at NATO. I'd like to thank the secretary-general for gathering us here today. His leadership has helped NATO navigate turbulent times with unity and resolve.
So let me start with just a few words about recent developments in Ukraine. For nearly 16 months, Russia has been waging a cruel and reckless war of choice against its peaceful and democratic neighbor. Putin's invasion has caused the worst crisis in European security since the end of World War II.
But the people of Ukraine continue to inspire the world with their resilience and their courage. Ukraine's brave defenders have now started the next phase in their fight to liberate their country's sovereign territory from Russian occupation.
The United States is proud to join some-50 nations of goodwill around the world in providing Ukraine with vital training and security assistance, and we must be patient as the Ukrainians wage this important campaign. President Biden has repeatedly said we will stand with Ukraine for the long haul.
Now, let me turn to some of our important business at this NATO ministerial. In just a few weeks, our leaders will gather for NATO's Vilnius Summit. As I've noted, they'll be meeting in challenging times, and a summit will be an important opportunity to discuss how NATO will continue to meet this moment. In Vilnius, NATO will have the opportunity to expand its practical, nonlethal support for...
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