NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (Credit: NATO.int)
By Gary Raynaldo DIPLOMATIC TIMES
U.S. Secretary of State Lloyd Austin is in Brussels, Belgium meeting with top NATO allies as fears grow over possible Russia invasion in Ukraine. NATO Allied defense ministers are meeting in Brussels to discuss critical challenges for European security, including Russia’s military build-up in and around Ukraine. The alliance faces the biggest challenge in Europe since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Defense Secretary Austin said the U.S. is committed to NATO’s Article 5 Collective Defence meaning that an attack against one Ally is considered as an attack against all Allies. NATO invoked Article 5 for the first time in its history after the 9/11 terrorist attacks against the United States.
“It’s great to be back in Brussels. This is a very challenging time. You’ve heard us say a number of times that we’re committed to Article 5 and also the principles of collective security. So you can expect that commitment will remain rock solid going forward.”
-U.S. Defense secretary Austin.
The defense secretary was reiterating President Biden’s vow that the “U.S. will defend every inch of NATO territory with the full force of American power.” President Biden made the statement during a press conference at the White House on Tuesday. “An attack against one NATO country is an attack against all of us,” Biden said, evoking the alliance’s collective defense Article 5.
NATO Chief “Grateful” For 8,500 U.S. Troops Placed on High Alert
Left to right: Lloyd J. Austin III (US Secretary of Defense) with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg Feb. 16, 2022 at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. (Credit: NATO.int)
“Secretary Austin, Lloyd, welcome to NATO. It’s great to see you here again. Thank you for your leadership and thank you for your strong commitment to our alliance. This is even more important now when Europe is in the midst of a critical security situation with the Russian military build up in and around Ukraine. I also welcome the increased readiness of 8,500 U.S. troops ready to support the NATO Response Force.”
-NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg
Russia Continues Military Build-up: NATO Chief
“We have heard the signs from Moscow about readiness to continue diplomatic efforts. But so far, we have not seen any de-escalation on the ground. On the contrary, it appears that Russia continues the military build-up,” Stoltenberg said.
President Biden Says Russia Has more Than 150,000 Troops at Ukraine Border
“We have not yet verified that Russian military units are returning to their home bases. Indeed, our analysts indicate that they remain very much in a threatening position. And the fact remains: Right now, Russia has more than 150,000 troops encircling Ukraine in Belarus and along Ukraine’s border.”
-President Biden
