Major General Pat Ryder provided a briefing highlighting recent developments from the Department of Defense. Yesterday, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin hosted the 22nd Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, stressing the critical need to support Ukraine amidst a new Russian offensive. Austin praised the courage of Ukrainian defenders and the vital contributions of the 50 nations in the Contact Group, emphasizing the importance of sustained support for Ukraine’s immediate and long-term security needs.
Earlier today, Secretary Austin met with Finnish Minister of Defense Antti Hakkanen at the Pentagon. They reaffirmed their commitment to NATO’s collective defense and addressed European security challenges, particularly Russian aggression. Austin commended Finland’s role in regional security and NATO, with both leaders committing to deepening their strategic partnership.
Looking ahead, Secretary Austin will deliver the commencement address to the U.S. Naval Academy’s 2024 graduating class in Annapolis, Maryland, on Friday. The event will be live-streamed on Defense.gov.
Additionally, General Ryder reported on the delivery of over 569 metric tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza via the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) temporary pier. This aid, donated by various international partners, underscores the global effort to meet the urgent needs of the Palestinian people. Ryder assured ongoing updates on the humanitarian mission.
Furthermore, four U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress aircraft have been deployed to the U.S. European Command area for training and operational opportunities with NATO allies. This deployment, part of the Large Scale Global Exercise 2024, highlights the U.S. commitment to NATO’s collective defense and deterrence in the Euro-Atlantic region.
For more details, General Ryder referred to the U.S. European Command Public Affairs and announced that a readout of today’s meeting with the Finnish Defense Minister will be posted on the Department of Defense website later today.–News Desk