“We will, if we must, defend every inch of NATO territory,” were the words Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke in Brussels, Belgium at NATO headquarters.
In a press conference following a meeting with NATO leaders, Austin was clear that Russian forces are now “approaching the border with Ukraine.” Although public statements from the Russian leadership continue to stress that Russian troops will be leaving the region following their exercises, US intelligence cited by Austin indicates that in fact the opposite is true. Austin said that the US believes Russia now operates as many as 150,000 troops now moving closer to Ukraine.
“Russian forces are approaching the border with Ukraine. The Russians have added more combat and support aircraft and have sharpened their readiness in the Black Sea. They’re even stockpiling blood supplies,” Austin said. “I was a soldier myself not that long ago,” he said. “I know firsthand that you don’t do these sorts of things for no reason. And you certainly don’t do them if you’re getting ready to pack up and go home.”
While Austin said the US is still very much open to continued dialogue with Russia to achieve a peaceful and diplomatic solution, he appeared much less optimistic that Russia might share this sentiment.
Austin said he was”satisfied in the knowledge that we will be sure-footed in the face of aggression, but dedicated, as always, to the prospect of peace. There is nothing inevitable about this looming conflict. It can still be averted. The path of diplomacy may be difficult, but it is still worth the trek.”
