U.S. officials, including Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, announced readiness to deliver military support to Ukraine following the House of Representatives’ approval of a supplemental budget on Saturday. The bill now awaits the Senate’s approval and President Joe Biden’s signature. According to Ryder, this legislation underscores the commitment of the U.S. and its allies to enhancing security and refutes Russian President Vladimir Putin’s assumption that international support for Ukraine would wane.
Continued International Support for Ukraine
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. will host the 21st meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group on Friday, marking two years since its inception. The group, consisting of 50 nations, has consistently opposed Putin’s invasion, strengthening rather than weakening the NATO alliance, according to Ryder.
U.S. and Niger Discuss Troop Withdrawal
In other developments, Ryder confirmed ongoing discussions between the U.S. and Niger regarding the withdrawal of American troops, emphasizing that this does not signal an end to the counterterrorism efforts in West Africa and the Sahel. The U.S. remains committed to addressing regional security threats through continued partnerships and operations.–News Desk