Today, our extraordinary allies and partners reaffirmed our unity and resolve in supporting Ukraine's fight for freedom. Now, let me turn to the important work of this Contact Group. And it is incumbent upon Russia to operate its military aircraft in a safe and professional manner. And the United States will continue to fly and to operate wherever international law allows. Now, I just got off the phone with my Russian counterpart, Minister Shoigu, and as I've said repeatedly, it's important that great powers be models of transparency and communication. And this hazardous episode is a part - is part of a pattern of aggressive risk - risky and unsafe actions by Russian pilots in international airspace. MQ-9 aircraft conducting routine operations in international airspace, and one Russian jet struck our M - MQ-9 aircraft, resulting in a crash. The two Russian jets dumped fuel on an unmanned U.S. On Tuesday, Russian aircraft again engaged in dangerous and reckless and unprofessional behavior in the international airspace over the Black Sea. We just concluded our 10th highly-successful meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, but before I get to that important work, I want to say just a few words about a troubling episode yesterday. Please note: I will moderate those questions and call on journalists, and would ask that you limit your follow-ups due to our tight schedule today, and I appreciate your assistance with this. The secretary and the chairman will each deliver opening remarks, and then have time to take a few questions. It's my pleasure to introduce Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, III and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley. STAFF: Thank you very much, everyone, for being here today.

Brave uphold