Meetings are scheduled with NATO and U.S. troops.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin traveled to Europe Tuesday for meetings with NATO defense ministers in Belgium as Russia’s intentions toward Ukraine remain fluid and concerns are that an invasion could happen any day.
Following his meetings with NATO, he will travel to Poland on the alliance’s eastern flank, where he will meet with that nation’s president and visit with deployed U.S. forces at an airbase. The secretary will then go to Lithuania to meet with the prime minister and defense minister, as well as U.S. troops there.
A joint meeting is also planned between Secretary Austin and the defense leaders of Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia, three NATO members that border Russia who have been among the most anxious over Moscow’s aggression in recent years. Ukraine is not a member of NATO.
“He is doing all the things you would expect him to do to make sure he’s ready for [any] option,” Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Austin to seek God’s guidance as he meets with foreign defense leaders.
- For wisdom for the defense secretary and allies as they seek to deescalate the border situation between Ukraine and Russia.
- For Pentagon officials as they monitor tensions and advise the president.
Sources: Military.com, New York Times
