US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Friday after meeting with Defense Secretary Jana Sernuchova (ODS) in Prague that the United States remains steadfast in its commitment to defending the freedom and sovereignty of its allies. According to him, NATO does not seek a confrontation with Russia and does not pose a threat to it either, but as a defensive alliance, as always, it will protect every centimeter of NATO territory.
Austin Says Commitment to Defend Allies Is Particularly Important, as Russia Continues Its Brutal and Unprovoked War Against Ukraine | Photo: Rene Volvik | Source: Czech Radio
“We will continue to stand by our NATO allies, and we will continue to oppose Russia’s assault on democracy, sovereignty and the rules-based international order,” Austin said. He said a strict commitment to defending allies is particularly important, at a time when Russia continues its brutal and unjustified war against Ukraine. He praised the heroic struggle of the Ukrainian people and their will to live freely and decide their own future.
President Biden agreed to provide additional military aid to Ukraine. The total size of the package is 675 million dollars
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Černochová described the United States as the Czech Republic’s most important ally. According to her, the United States is responsible not only for the defense of NATO, but also for resolving the current situation in Europe. She said that the United States is demonstrating this with its massive support for Ukraine. “I would like to thank Secretary Austin and the citizens of the United States that they remain willing to defend this world, and that they remain willing to defend Europe,” she said. She added that the Czech Republic is ready to support the United States in this. That is why it greatly enhances defense investments. Among other things, she thanked Austin for donating eight old military helicopters.
They also talked about the situation in Ukraine. Chernokhova noted that the Czech Republic is one of the five largest suppliers of military equipment to Ukraine. And promised to continue the flow of aid to Ukraine from the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic is also ready to participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine or in the repair of its military equipment.
