Secretary of Defense and NATO Secretary General Hold Joint Press Briefing, Emphasizing Deterrence and Diplomacy
Washington D.C. – On February 17, 2022, the United States Department of Defense released an advisory detailing a joint press briefing held by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. The briefing, which took place against a backdrop of heightened tensions with Russia regarding Ukraine, focused on reinforcing the strong transatlantic alliance and outlining ongoing efforts to de-escalate the situation through diplomatic means, while simultaneously underscoring NATO’s commitment to deterrence and defense.
Secretary Austin began by reiterating the United States’ unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He emphasized that the U.S. and its NATO allies are united in their concern over Russia’s military buildup near Ukraine’s borders and the potential for further aggression. Secretary Austin highlighted the extensive diplomatic engagements underway, stating, “We continue to pursue every avenue for diplomacy. We are talking to our allies, we are talking to Russia, and we are urging Russia to de-escalate and to choose the path of dialogue.” He also underscored the readiness of U.S. forces and their commitment to reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank, a measure taken to reassure allies and deter any potential miscalculation.
NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg echoed Secretary Austin’s sentiments, stressing the importance of the NATO-U.S. partnership. He commended the United States’ leadership and its significant contributions to European security. Secretary General Stoltenberg reaffirmed NATO’s commitment to collective defense, stating, “We have a strong alliance, and we are ready to defend all allies. We have increased our readiness, and we are reinforcing the eastern flank of NATO.” He also highlighted the ongoing efforts within NATO to enhance its defensive posture and ensure the security of all member states.
The briefing served as a clear signal of the transatlantic community’s resolve and unity in addressing the current security challenges. Both leaders emphasized that while diplomacy remains the preferred path, NATO and its allies are prepared to respond decisively to any aggression. The discussions also touched upon the continuous flow of intelligence and information sharing between the U.S. and NATO, which is crucial for maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the evolving situation.
The press briefing underscored a two-pronged approach: a robust commitment to diplomatic resolution, coupled with a firm stance on deterrence. This approach aims to prevent conflict while assuring allies of NATO’s steadfast security guarantees. The synchronized messaging from both Secretary Austin and Secretary General Stoltenberg demonstrated the strength and cohesion of the NATO alliance in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.
Secretary of Defense and NATO Secretary General Press Briefings, Feb. 17, 2022
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