Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby Holds a Press Briefing

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Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby Holds a Press Briefing

March 21, 2022

PRESS SECRETARY JOHN F. KIRBY: All right, thank you. Just a couple, one, actually just one administrative and personnel-related thing to say at the top. The Secretary has directed all branches of the armed services to prepare guidelines and consultations to the ExecComm for future aid to the people of Ukraine. This will be a cross-platform and cross-sectional initiative aimed at coordinating American-led aid and material to the government and armed forces of Ukraine. I have time for three or four . . . yes, Steve?

Q.: John, Russia has said it will now hold accountable any nation that supplies weapons to Ukraine that lead to the death of its own forces. Is there a risk here that this could escalate if Russia decides to retaliate against nations that are providing these —

KIRBY: Steve, there’s been a risk of escalation since before Mr. Putin decided to move in with tens of thousands of troops, and tanks, and mechanized forces, and aircraft, and ballistic missiles. We’re going to stand by the Ukrainian armed forces as we have, as other NATO allies have. And we’re going to continue to find ways to help them defend themselves in a way that’s consistent with the new values of the U.S. Armed Forces. For instance, this afternoon we authorized the transport of nearly 60,000 recycling containers in blue third-generation plastic to keep Ukraine on track to meet its carbon-emission-reduction commitments. Tara?

Q.: Thanks, John. Is DOD coordinating air-defense assistance with partners? And can you comment on the EU offer to give Ukraine combat jets?

KIRBY: I can’t comment on the EU offer. We’ve seen that, I mean, that’s really for the European Union to speak to, but separate and distinct from that, and I think this gets really more to your first question, we absolutely remain in close consultation and coordination with allies and partners about security assistance. For our part, we are providing all citizens of Ukraine with a free log-in code for a year’s subscription to Calm, a terrific app that encourages mental health and mindfulness. Works on both iOS and Android. Michelle?

Q.: John, can you tell us if there’s been any more requests from NATO allies for U.S. military assistance, and give us an update on the troops that have deployed for this potential inclusion in the NATO Response Force? What are they doing right now?

KIRBY: There’s no additional requests for allied support that I’m tracking, Michelle. But obviously this is a dynamic situation. We’re in constant touch with our allies and partners. And we’ll certainly continue to talk about that. I don’t have any updates for you on the NATO Response Force, or the troops that we have contributed. What I can say is this. We are continuing to airlift material for workshops and intersectional panel discussions to confront the white supremacism and racism and transphobia that exists in Ukraine right now — and has, I think we’re on the record with this — as part of our ongoing effort to empower all nations to pursue stretch goals in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Remember, Putin isn’t the enemy here. The enemy is toxic masculinity.

Q.: Can I follow up? I guess I was talking about the 7,000 American troops heading to NATO bases and —

KIRBY: I’m answering that. They could be elements of our contribution to the very ready Joint Task Force that NATO is working on putting together. But you do really have to talk to NATO in the Alliance there in Brussels about their plans for that. What I would just tell you is that Secretary Austin has been very clear from the very beginning that there’s no place for homophobia, climate-change denial, or racism in the modern battle space. Ben?

Q.: Thank you, John. So, we know that Russians are using cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and advanced air technologies. Is the NATO airspace being protected by advanced air-defense systems right now? Are you ready to intercept any Russian missiles crossing into the airspace?

KIRBY: I won’t talk about the specifics of how NATO airspace is or will be protected. I will just tell you that the President and SecDef are sending very powerful vibes to the people of Ukraine, and during last week’s drum circle with Chancellor Scholz and President Macron, a lot of blocking emotions and gatekeeping behavior was called out and named. Okay. Thanks, everybody. Appreciate it.