Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh provided a comprehensive briefing covering a range of significant defense topics, including U.S. support for Ukraine, regional military exercises, and global security dynamics.
Ukraine Support and Military Operations: Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held a conversation with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, focusing on Ukraine’s ongoing military operations and the continued support from the United States and its allies. Secretary Austin reaffirmed the U.S.’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine, emphasizing that both nations will maintain close communication to address Ukraine’s immediate military needs. Singh noted that further details on the discussion would be shared in a readout to be posted on Defense.gov later in the day.
When questioned about the U.S. role in advising Ukraine on their operations, Singh clarified that there has been no expansion in U.S. involvement beyond the ongoing security assistance provided through presidential drawdown packages. While she did not delve into specifics about intelligence sharing, including satellite imagery, she confirmed the U.S.’s continued support to Ukraine primarily through these packages.
Exercise Regional Cooperation 2024: In another significant development, Singh announced the launch of Regional Cooperation 2024, a military exercise sponsored by U.S. Central Command. The exercise, taking place in Phoenix, Arizona, is hosted by the Arizona Army National Guard in partnership with Kazakhstan. Additional participants include military forces from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Mongolia, and Pakistan. The exercise aims to enhance regional security and stability, improve capabilities in interdiction operations, and foster cooperation among the participating nations.
The Regional Cooperation exercise has been an annual event since 2001, alternating between Central and South Asia and the United States. It plays a crucial role in promoting interoperability, building functional capacity, and supporting stability operations among the participating countries.
Global Security Issues: Singh also addressed several global security concerns during the briefing. When asked about ongoing U.S. intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) flights over Gaza, she confirmed that the U.S. continues to assist with hostage recovery efforts but declined to provide further details.
Regarding a recent attack in Syria, Singh reported that 11 U.S. service members were treated for traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or smoke inhalation, with all 11 now returned to duty. She also fielded questions about the situation in Ukraine, including the purpose and objectives of Ukraine’s Kursk operation, which remains a topic of ongoing discussion between U.S. and Ukrainian defense officials.
U.S. and South Korea Military Exercise: Singh briefly mentioned the start of the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, a large-scale military exercise between the U.S. and South Korea. However, she deferred to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command for more specific details about the exercise and its implications.
Additional Global Concerns: Other topics covered in the briefing included the rejection of Gordon Black’s appeal by Russia, the movement of Russian forces in Ukraine, and the presence of U.S. guided missile destroyers in the Mediterranean. Singh emphasized that the U.S. remains vigilant and ready to defend its allies, particularly Israel, from potential threats.
Singh also touched on the recent incident between Chinese and Philippine ships in the Sabine Shoal, noting that while the Pentagon is monitoring the situation, they are still gathering more information.
Afghanistan Drone Strike: Finally, a question was raised regarding compensation for the survivors of a family killed in an errant U.S. drone strike in Afghanistan three years ago. Singh promised to follow up on the matter with the general counsel’s office and provide an update.
The briefing highlighted the Pentagon’s multifaceted approach to global defense, balancing support for allies, regional security cooperation, and addressing emerging threats.–News Desk