>> c-span is you unfiltered view of government. funded by these television anie wow. >> the world is changing, internet is something no one can live without, wow is there for customers with speed, value and choice. now more than ever, it starts wiinternet. >> wow suppos c-span as a publica(long with these other television providers, giving you a front row seat to democracy. next, defense secretary lloyd austin on the helicopter crash at that killed iran's president and foreign minister offer the weekend. secretary austin also gives an update on the war in ukraine s of staff chair charlesbrown, jr.

[inaudible conversations] >> well, good afternoon, everyone, thank you fortoday. it's my pleasure to bring up the secretary and chairman, deliveringpening remarks and time to take a few questions. i'll moderate the journalists a time constraints, limit the follow-ups to g a chance to ask their questions. >> good afternoon, evedy thas f general brown and i have just

come from ad meeting of the ukraine defense contact group and i'm grateful to some 50 countries from around the world that joined us again today. the contact group heard directly from ukraine's defense les, minister that gave a valuae ukraine's defensive operations across the front line, including the new russian offensive around kharkiv. we met today a challenging moment for ukraine. putin's forces opened another front to seize sovereign ukraini territory. in the kremlin's invaders obliterating ukrainian villages aniloct civilians and bombarding civilian ludi dams and power plants. ukraine's defenders are a hard fight. but russian troops are paying a high price for putin's

aggression. now, putin is betting that eventually ukraine will fold. and he's betting that this contact group will crumble, but he's wrong. and today we saw again why. ukraine is fighting for its li which gives us a huge strategic advantage of a just cause. and meanwhile, putin is trying to wage a 19th century war of imperial aggression in the world of 2024. and that's a terrible idea and strategy. ukraine's forces are the kremlin's war of choice with ingenuity and skill. and they are making excellent use of capabilities provided by the members of this contact group. we spent a lot of time today on life saving air defense systems which are helping ukraine stave off waves of russian missiles,i

munitions. we'll continue to push to ensure that ukraine owns skies and can defend its citizens and its civilian infrastructure far from the front lines. the united states and our allies and partners worldwide remain laser focused on ukraine's near term requirements in kharkiv and elsewhere and we'll pushing to find swift solutions to ukraine's most pressing and that's why president biden announced a $400 million security assistanceac ukraine earlier this month. it will provide critical munitions for sams and patriot air defense systems. more himae anti-armor systems and other priotyirents. this comes on top of the $7 lli- 7 billion of security assistance that we've already

committed toce the recent passage of the national securitysupplemental. we're delivering the most urgently neededties including 155 millimeter artillery rounds. and much more is on the way. now, contact gro also spent time today on the long-term challenge of security. and i continue to be impressed by the work of the capability coalitions. these eight coalitionse and mee and they're also laying the foundation for ukraine's future force, which must be strong and sustainable enough to ward off future russian aggression. today we heard updates from maritime coalition in the integrated era andis defense coalition and i'm also impressed with germany's defense initiative. it's helping ukraine's globalpad

rapt and creative ways to deploy air defense systems and provide the spare parts to sustainukraine's defenses. meanwhile, the and norway are leading the maritimealition friend off putin's attacks. se are just two of the eight capability coalit. togethg a sturdy, fleble structure to meet ukraine's security requirements over the long haul so we'llontinue to work with nations of goodwill from around the world to support ukrain fight for survival. and we'll continue to make the for why ukraine matters. the outcome in ukraine is crucial for eurnsecurity, for global security. andor american security. none of us would want to live

in a world where dictators redraw borders by force launch wars of aggression to try to revive yesterday's empires. so let me be clear, ukraine's partnersre united and we're determined and we're not g anywhere. and with that, let me turn it over to generbrn. >> thank you, mr. secretary. good afternoon, everyone. we are going to address the congress near the end o world war i. president woodrow wilson laid out his 14-point for world peace. he asserted political independence and territorial integrity required in nations, united against aggressor, we cannot be separatedest or divided in purpose, we stand together until the end. president wilson never realized

his vision foron coalition of nations based on his 14 points. theorld had to second world war, a war more br first. before there wasollective rpose. come together in common the principles president wilson championed formed the basis of international order we live in today. that order is being challenged byrussia's illegal aunprovoked attack on a sovereign nation of ukraine. ukraine defense contact group has stood together the face of this russian aggression and we'll continue stand together to support ukraine and defend the national r. once again, i want to thank secretary austin for leadership in this international coalition of more than 50 in support of ukraine. thanks also to defense and delegation who joined us today and for leadership

in ukraine's armed forces and to all the nations attending today, thank you for your continued support ofukraine. ukrainian forces are being challenged particularly in kharkiv region where they're defending against increased russianattacks. in recent days, russia launched attacks against kharkiv. caming to establish a buffer zone along the ukrainian border. rush anticipation this will divertapabilities from other critical areas. ukraine has concerted efforts to build and strengthen civilian lines which are being tested by russia's acts. to protect theirs they defend against continued russian strikes andtructure. ukrainian forces are fighting hard to hold againstsi

advances across the front lines. and stock piles are challenged as defend against russian actions and the war to sustain ukraine. the president authorized a $1 billilary aid package for ukraine, following the aghe supplemental. a second aid package was authorized a little over a ago to send critical capabilities to ukraine. anhe urgently needed weapons such as artillery amheir defense interceptors, anti-aircraft missiles, a vehicles, javelins, and other ■" anti-armor systems. we have worked diligently to deliver these supplies as quickly as possible. the influx of u.s.en coalition ceill enable ukraine to continue to withstand russian ag military aid to ukraine sends a

essa to the world. this coalition will not tire. we will not waiver. we will not give up. our collective resolve is steadfast. we know that we cannot russia to rewrite borders, to people and to supplant the sovereign democratic nation. show other would-be aggressors that we will defend international order together. our support for ukraine is not merely an act of solidarity, it's a strategic necessity that reinforces broader international security. if unchecked, russian aggression could em bolden other regimes tollen international norms, and violate the sovereignty their neighbors. this highlights the importance of a robust and unified response. global events have

consequences that impact us all. our collective actions today will shape the geopolitical landscape of tomorrow. this is what president wilson understood. fe and prosperity nations can only be won through unified and cooperative effort. presidn understands that peace and security of more than rd they require constant work. in action for nations to come together for a common purpose, the group is committed to that work. thank you,ook forward to our questions. >> our first question to the cipress. >> mr. secretary, i wanted to ask you about iran. does pengon have any indication that the helicopter crash in iran that killed president raisi was anything avyou directed any force posture changes in case there's

for chairman brown, i wanted to roger fortson. o say to fortson's family and more broadly to blackvi members if it matters whether they serve no matter what they do, they' still law enforcement that see them as a threat? >> thanks. regarding the death of iran's president in the very unfortunate crash, we continue to monitor the situation, but we don't have any insights into the cause of the accident at this point. and certainly, i know the iranians are investigating or will investigate and so we'll see their investigation is in terms of our force posture, don't have any announcements to coinue to watch and i don't

necessarily see any ber regional security impacts at this point in time, tara. >> and was there any indication that there was anything other than an accident about this copter down? >> i can't speculate on what may have been the cause of the accident, tara. but you know, again, think we'll learn more once the iranians have investigated. >> let me first of l, pass on my sincerely fortson family and for every serviceman we lose, we know it impacts the family and one thing i'd highlight. this is under investigation, what i would highlight, a number of our serviceembers ap families live around the country and hope expect they would be able to be safe

in their communities and safe in their homes and highlight for each one of those in service and raise their right with an oath to the united states that they ceach their potential. no matter their backnd when they decide to join our force. >> next question. >> secre austin, israeli defense minister briefed sullivan on rafah plans and an efforts. according to the readout, it's more detailed. have you seen the plans sullivan was briefed on and does it meet the requirement of what youo see in terms of what israel nee t before an operation in rafah. and ukraine tried to defend ense a new russian offensive in kharkiv. do you believe that theyul be able to use and target the forces across the border there. is that a recommendation you

would make? >> thanks,ot seen the information that was briefed to mr. sullivan, but you know, as you know, i talk to minister every week and i would expect that he would detail the informfi to me as well. so, and i'll talk to jake an all soon as he's available, but because of that, i won't speculate as to whether or not it meets any kind of requirements, but again, you know, we've been clear about v important and that is to make the civilians in that battle space are out of the battle space before any activity occur cit so we'll see what happens. >> our folks in ukraine, using capabilities, particularly hat impact the battles

in various areas and paying attention in and around kharkiv, i won't publicly talk about what my might advise, but as we conti them, i'll continue to work the secretary as the recommend dayses going forward. but capabilities that we've provided them, on fronts that they're already operating on, as well as into crimea. let's go to wastopost. >> hi, nice to see you all. this question is for both you regarding going back to the rafah operation, and following up questions. so the idf is announcing plans as recently asay to expand the rafah operation, and meanwhile, people tha have spoken with on the ground say that theyive what is already a full-fledged operation, at le the perception on the ground. given the biden administration's that it will not support a full fledged operatioit humanitarian plan.

are you to declare it's a full fledged invasion, and that the idf could do this gradually. anmental push into rafah, and try toid u.s. consequences that have been threatened? thanyou. >> yeah, again, i've seen what with as reported thatin said. i look forward to talking to him about what his plans are. and also getting and talking with jakevan as well. and i really don't want to speculate as to whether or not this is or is not a-- or a larger operation. i really would like to see with a, you know, to do, but what we would like to see, is protection of those civilians in the battle

move those civilians out, not only move them out, but make sure that wherever theto, that you have provisions for them to ta of them, order a shelter, those types of things. ou know, i've said before that in my view t have been far too many casualties, civilian casualties in this fight and we needo see something done a lot differently. are-- if there is kinetic activity and if there is an operation that's conducted, that's larger, we certainly would like to see things done more precise and less destruction of, know, the cvili structures and more protection of the civilian tion >> i would echo very much what the secretary said. and in my conversation and counterpart, it's pretty much the same.

being able to communicate with us wha their intent is, so we understand how they're approaching and at thsame, bein of the civilians and not just move them out, but move into places where they can have shelter, have food and have soin continually message in the engen have with my counterpart. >> secretary austin, vtoria newland, the former acting deputy secretary of state who just steppow said yesterday on the sunday shows that the administration a new ukraine strategy and she said, quote, i think if the attacks are directly from over the line in russia, that those bases ought to befa i think it's time to give the ukrainians more help hitting es inside russia. do you agree with her assessment? greeith what the chairman just said, jennifer, and that is that, you know,n my view, their focus ought to be on the close fight, a making sure that they are is he

will enable success in the close fight. , and you know, and this will be my view going forward. >> is there anyg n.a.t.o. can do for russia to expand their influence and how does effect what's happening in georgia right now? how does it affect georgia's pathway to n.a.t.o.? >> we're basically watching the influence that russia has in georgia and we'll remain ted to sovereignty. as i met l wee with my n.a.t.o. counterparts, we continalked about how we worked together for the sovereignty that's part ofovera situation in europe. >> will this affect orgis admission to n.a.t.o. or pathway to n.a.t.o.? >> i'm not in the

decision points. from my perspective as a uniformed service member, it's securing the nations as well. >> al-jazeera. >> and you mon criminal court prosecutor and mister netanyahu and--st over war crimes and against humanity in gaza. my first question, will that administration step forward in this case and will you cooperate with work on this case? and the second question is, the of israel, in light of this case, will you reconsider the p, some of which have been used to kill palestinian civilians according to president biden?

thank you. >> so i've seen the press reports of, you know, the icc seeking arres warrants. but i don't have anything to provide on that issue. t issue. again, our focus continues to be on providing israel what it needs to defend itself and we've -- that's our focus on our very beginning and as president biden has said number of times, our support to israel remains clad. i think it's important to reflect back to how thi started. you know, this brutal attack on octo 7th, you know, a number is civilians were killed in that u attack and there were over 230 hostages ken. half of those hostages remain in custody.

and, you know, again, our focus remains on support to israel in its efforts to defend itse we very much would like to see the hosge returned safely. and in terms of the decision to prov weapons to israel, again, i won't engage in any type of speculation going forward, but my hope would be that, you know, we do what's necessary to protect civilians in the battle space and you'll hear me say that over and over again. i don't think the two things are incomepincomepatible. we'v united states haves learned a

past several years nd again, there are ways to do both. you can protect the people and also, accomplish your objectesctives. >> general, you've talked abo the inevitability of advisors working with ukrainian forces. can you explain why it's ceha would it take to make that happen? and secretaus the icc, president biden has called the arrest warrantsutrageous and they said they would provide evidence with ukraine. ha continuing? how does this decision affect e? >> so let me put, you know, that discussion into context. if you go back before february of 22 we had various militaemre wle working and training with the ukrainians and that's not the case right now. and you when i've said

that-- and we'd do that eventually. oncehi conflict is over and we're in a better place, then i ul suspect we would be able to bring trainers back in. and right now there's no plans to bring u.s. trainers into ukraine. >> on the question of the icc, as earlier, i don't have anything to add on the reports thate've seen here recently. reionf whether or not we'll continue to provide support to the icc, with respect to crimes committed in ukraine, yes, we continue that work. >> time for just a couple more. let's go to npr. >> mr. secretary, i want to go back torafah, you haven't received a detailed military plan about the work there. what about the humanitarian plan, you sayt them to

care for the hundreds of thousands of people, shelter, medical care. do you have anyndication how they plan on doing that. >> early on we conceptual brief how they were going to put measures in place toak population that moved out of that battle space, and the things that are required to support that plan, we've just not seen. i've not seense elements go into play. and so, my view is that there's be done and my view is also thathis takes time. and so, hink need to be in place to take care of whenever they migrate from one place to another, again, i've not seen evidence that those things are in place yet, so-- >> can you give me a sense of the concept, and the details to us? >> i'll leave that to israelis to brief their concept. but yeah, it's one thing to

have a concept, and it's another thing to actually put it into play. so-- >> let's go to nbc. >> msecretary, you said that it's possible to conduct operations and also account for civilians in the battle states and i wonder on rafah giv your excessive military experience, what you're seeing happen in rafah right now, dthi that, operations and counting for them in the battle space? and mr. chairman, on the idea of uai conducting strikes inside russia, i wonder if you can say, are you confident that of the long range attack that the u.s. provided has been used to inside russian territory? >> so, regarding what israel's doing inside rafah. now, what we've seen thus far is a limited action that's been focused o the rafah border

crossing and again, it's reported that minister gallant says he looks to expand op forward. now, i look forward t having that discussion with him to understand, you know, what intent is and how he's going to do that, but again, what we want to see is civilians accounted for and moved of that battle space before anything happens. we've been clear about , about that throughout. as you well i think before things, this gaza, there some $275,000 or lived in and around rafah, that number grew to 1.25 million o so and that's a big jump. and that's a lot of in a very compressed battle space that's in a very difficult area. as you know, urban combat is

very intense, difficult to begin with. so unless you account forho civilians and do things differently, then, i think, you more casualties going forward and that's something that we'd like to see change. >> i am confidenthat w have provided have not been used in russia, they've been used in targets in ukraine. >> secretary austin, the russians, they're flying bombers inussi territory with glide bombs that are having a devastating impact on the battlefield inside of ukraine. should the ukrainians be able to use american air defenses to hit those russian bombers in russian territory? >> well, youknow, again, you can diagram a number of for, you know, wher we have been

clear about providing ukrainian defend its sereign territory and the dynamics of an aerial engagement, the experts, but certainly, y know, our expectation is that they continue to use t weapons that we provided on targets inside of ukraine. now, the aerial dynamics, a little bit differso, but again, speculate on any one or any type of engagement here at the podium, so-- >> you're saying it's off limits or-- >>question, we'll go over here. >> mr. secretary, are you concerned that iran isoing to try and blame israel or even the united states for the crash khe president yesterday? and for general brown, israel is conducting operations in northern gaza evenho

defeated hamas there. given your personal experience fighting terrorists, do you believe that israel c achieve its goal of fully eliminating hamas? >> the united states n part to play in that crash and so, and thas ft plain and simple. >> and israel, are you afr they're going to blame israel? >> i won't speculate to what blame. again, they have to conduct an investigation to see what cause of the crash was. it could be a number of things, error, you name it. so to your qio northern gaza, you know, and based on experience, not do you have to go in and clear out whatever adversary you're up against, you have to go in and hold the territory and stabilize it the israelis did not actually, once they cleared, hold. so that allows your adversary then to repopulate in areas if you're not there. and so, that does make it more

challenging for as far as being able to meet their objective in being a to rilyefeat and destroy hamas? >> do you think they'll be able to do that>>amas it's not just organization, it's an ideology. you have to think about the overall piece of being able to have security not only for israel, but in the region is going to take a concerted effort, not just from a military piece, but how we work with humanitarian assistancech the secretary and i talking about the humanitarian assistance there in gaza. >> and thank you vmuch. ladies and gentlemen, this concludes our press briefing. >> thanks. [inaudible conversations] >> c-span now is a free mobile app featuring your unfiltered view of what's happening in washington, live and on demand.

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