President Biden has not acted to resolve a dispute that pits the Defense Department against other agencies.
Tag Archives: Austin, Lloyd J III
NATO Allies Discuss Arms Supply for Ukraine as Battles Loom
One of Ukraine’s biggest problems in fighting the Russian invasion is a basic one: It is firing artillery rounds much faster than its Western backers are producing them.
After Spy Balloon Incident, China Rejects Pentagon’s Request to Speak
Chinese officials rejected a request from the U.S. defense secretary to speak with his counterpart after an American fighter jet shot down a Chinese spy balloon.
How Biden Reluctantly Agreed to Send Tanks to Ukraine
The decision unlocked a flow of heavy arms from Europe and inched the United States and its NATO allies closer to direct conflict with Russia.
Despite German Reluctance, Ukraine Expresses Optimism About Receiving Tanks
Even as frustration mounts over what some see as Germany’s indecision on sending Leopard 2s to Ukraine, a Kyiv official says his country’s soldiers will begin training on them.
The NATO Alliance Is Holding Strong on Ukraine. But Fractures Are Emerging.
The allies differ on strategy for the coming year and the more immediate question of what Ukraine needs ahead of a major offensive in the spring.
The Debate Over Sending Tanks to Ukraine
Western nations are amping up offensive military power for Ukraine in almost every category except the one Kyiv says it needs the most. Here’s why.
Ukraine Asks for More Weapons as U.S. and Allies Meet to Discuss Aid
Ukraine has a narrow window of time to retake more territory ahead of an expected Russian spring offensive, but to do that it needs weapons like armored vehicles.
Western Officials Warn Russia Could Use a Dirty Bomb as a Pretext
Top officials from the United States, Britain and France cautioned that there was no change in Russia’s nuclear posture and that they believed no decision had been made to use a tactical nuclear weapon.
As Russia and Ukraine Seek Gains on Front Line, U.S. and Allies Warn Moscow
Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III held a call with Russia’s defense chief to discuss President Vladimir Putin’s nuclear threats.
Russian Troops in Belarus Spur Debate Over the Threat to Ukraine
The United States and its allies are playing down the dangers posed by the deployment of thousands of Russian soldiers to Belarus, but the intelligence assessments come with a dose of uncertainty.
Ukraine Offensive Will Push Through Winter, US Defense Chief Says
The “deliberate cruelty” of Russia’s latest bombardment has made the West more determined to help Ukraine, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said.
Western Nations Rush Defensive Systems to Ukraine to Counter Russian Missiles
Even with Soviet-era defensive weapons, the Ukrainians have been more than holding their own, but this week’s barrage prompted calls to better equip them.
Pentagon Plans to Set Up a New Command to Arm Ukraine, Officials Say
The mission in Germany would streamline a training and assistance system that the United States and its allies created on the fly after Russia’s invasion, officials said.
In a Surprise Visit to Ukraine, Blinken Offers Aid and Encouragement
At a “pivotal moment” as a counteroffensive makes gains, the secretary of state pledged $2.8 billion more in military aid to Ukraine and allies.
West Point Has a K.K.K. Plaque Mounted Above Entrance to Science Hall
A special congressional commission that recommends the removal of Confederate symbols at U.S. military sites flagged the bronze plaque in a new report.
Austin Orders Overhaul to Better Protect Civilians During U.S. Combat Operations
A Pentagon plan envisions broad changes to military doctrine, planning and training aimed at mitigating the risk of harm to noncombatants.
The Biden administration will send another $270 million in military aid to Ukraine.
Advanced U.S. Arms Make a Mark in Ukraine War, Officials Say
The powerful and highly mobile weapons systems, which can fire guided rockets with a range of 40 miles, are desperately needed in the battle for eastern Ukraine.
U.S. Officials Predict Path of War in Ukraine
As Russia makes slow but steady progress, the arrival of new weapons systems will help Ukraine hang onto territory, U.S. officials and analysts say.
U.S. and Allies Pledge Additional Arms for Ukraine, but Kyiv Wants More
Some NATO countries are wary of sending heavy weapons, hoping for a negotiated truce, but the alliance insists publicly that it is committed to helping Ukraine defeat Russia.
Pentagon Faults Review of Deadly Airstrike but Finds No Wrongdoing
The military’s inquiry followed a New York Times investigation describing allegations that officials sought to conceal dozens of civilian casualties.
West Increases Pressure on Putin, Including Sanctions on Reputed Girlfriend
The Russian leader was challenged by the prospect of an enlarged NATO, plans to get Ukrainian grain exports past a Kremlin blockade, and sanctions on his purported mistress.
U.S. Intelligence Is Helping Ukraine Kill Russian Generals, Officials Say
Targeting assistance is part of a classified effort by the Biden administration to provide real-time battlefield intelligence to Ukraine.
Fears Mount That Ukraine War Will Become a Broader Conflict
American and European officials say their concern is based in part on a growing conviction that the war will not end any time soon.
Behind Austin’s Call for a ‘Weakened’ Russia, Hints of a Shift
The United States is edging toward a dynamic that pits Washington more directly against Moscow, and one that U.S. officials see as likely to play out for years.
Next Phase of War Will Be Pivotal for Russia and Ukraine, U.S. Says
Reflecting a renewed sense of urgency, President Biden announced that the United States would send the Ukrainians $800 million more in military aid.
U.S. Adds ‘Kamikaze Drones’ as More Weapons Flow to Ukraine
NATO allies are focused on providing Kyiv with high-tech defensive weapons that are easy to use and move.
Pentagon Orders 7,000 More Troops to Europe
Military officials gave a grim assessment of the toll on Ukraine, saying that Russian forces were moving to decapitate the government in Kyiv.
Ukraine Fighting May Open Door to Russian Invasion, U.S. Warns
As shelling intensified in the east, officials warned that Moscow might use false claims of “genocide” against Russians in the region as a pretext for an attack.
Mentally Ill Detainee, Suspected of Planned Role in 9/11, Set for Transfer
A parole-like board for prisoners at Guantánamo Bay recommended repatriating the Saudi man, whom the military tortured and so could not be put on trial.
National Guard Is Not Exempt From Vaccine Mandate, Defense Secretary Says
Lloyd J. Austin’s rejection of the governors’ request to exempt their states’ troops from the national military coronavirus vaccine mandate sets the stage for a possible court fight.
Austin Orders Military to Step Up Efforts to Prevent Civilian Harm
A new directive outlines steps intended to change how commanders think about their jobs, after New York Times investigations into botched airstrikes.
Pentagon Puts 8,500 Troops on ‘High Alert’ Amid Ukraine Tensions
The move signals a shift for the Biden administration as the United States and NATO allies brace for possible Russian military action.
Drone Strike Video Shows Killing of Civilians in Afghanistan
The New York Times obtained footage of the botched strike in Kabul, whose victims included seven children, through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit.
Pentagon Updates Its Rules on Extremism in the Military
“Liking” white nationalist and extremist content on social media could result in disciplinary action, Defense Department officials said.
Senate Passes $768 Billion Defense Bill, Sending It to Biden
Lawmakers in both parties linked arms in an overwhelming vote authorizing an increase in the Pentagon’s budget of roughly $24 billion more than President Biden requested.
No U.S. Troops Will Be Punished for Deadly Kabul Drone Strike
The military initially defended the August strike, which killed 10 civilians including seven children, in the days afterward, but ultimately called it a tragic mistake.
To Counter China, Austin Vows to Shore Up Alliances With Others in Region
“America is a Pacific power,” the defense secretary said as he laid out a strategy to block efforts by China to dominate the region.
Pentagon Chief Orders New Inquiry Into U.S. Airstrike That Killed Dozens in Syria
A four-star Army general will review reports that dozens of civilians were killed in a 2019 strike and that top military officers and civilian officials sought to conceal it.
U.S. Tries to Convince Arab Allies It Isn’t Quitting Middle East
The defense secretary faced tough questions about how countries were supposed to deal with a U.S. national security policy that upends itself with each president.
Pentagon Chief Expected to Discuss 2019 Airstrike That Killed Dozens
A Times investigation found that the bombing in Syria was carried out by a shadowy Special Operations unit.
Pentagon Chief Orders Briefing on 2019 Syria Airstrike That Killed Dozens
A Times investigation found that dozens of women and children were killed in the bombing, which the military sought to conceal.
Milley, Austin Testify to a House Panel on Afghanistan
The three top U.S. defense officials have a second day of congressional testimony on Wednesday, this time in front of the House Armed Services Committee.
Gen. Milley Says He Warned Biden Against Afghanistan Withdrawal
During a heated Senate hearing, Gen. Mark Milley also defended his actions in the final months of the Trump administration.
Pentagon Asks Personnel to Report Any Symptoms of Mysterious Ailments
The episodes, known as Havana syndrome, have left spies, diplomats, soldiers and others with brain injuries.
From Afghanistan to the World Cup, Tiny, Wealthy Qatar Steps Up
The Gulf state played a major role in the American airlift, the latest evidence of the small but gas-rich country punching above its weight on the world stage.
Pentagon Leaders Wary of Working With Taliban
Cooperation with the group in fighting an Islamic State affiliate is “possible,” the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.
At Least 12 U.S. Troops Among Masses of Dead in Kabul Suicide Attack
Bombers struck a huge crowd outside the airport, killing dozens of civilians in the waning days of the U.S. evacuation from Afghanistan.
Biden Says Troops May Stay in Kabul Longer to Assist Evacuations
Tens of thousands of people trying to flee remain in the country, unable to leave.