U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says the United States is stepping up measures to support its European allies during the crisis in Ukraine's Crimea peninsula.
Hagel says the United States is increasing joint training through the U.S. aviation detachment in Poland, and augmenting U.S. participation in NATO's air policing on the Baltic peninsula.
Hagel added the U.S. administration will remain focused on de-escalating the crisis, supporting the Ukraine government economically and reaffirming commitments to allies in the region during this "defining moment."
"The events of the past week underscore the need for America's continued global engagement and leadership. The President's defense budget reflects that reality, and it helps sustain our commitments and our leadership at a very defining moment."
The administration has announced a $1 billion economic aid package to Ukraineto help stabilize its economy and support elections set for later this year.
Hagel called the aid package "particularly important" along with diplomatic efforts to peacefully resolve the crisis.
The defense secretary also said the U.S. has suspended all military-to-military cooperation with Russia. Earlier this week, Hagel canceled two previously scheduled trilateral military exercises, one with Russia and Canada, and the other with Russia and Norway.
Hagel says the United States is increasing joint training through the U.S. aviation detachment in Poland, and augmenting U.S. participation in NATO's air policing on the Baltic peninsula.
Hagel added the U.S. administration will remain focused on de-escalating the crisis, supporting the Ukraine government economically and reaffirming commitments to allies in the region during this "defining moment."
"The events of the past week underscore the need for America's continued global engagement and leadership. The President's defense budget reflects that reality, and it helps sustain our commitments and our leadership at a very defining moment."
The administration has announced a $1 billion economic aid package to Ukraineto help stabilize its economy and support elections set for later this year.
Hagel called the aid package "particularly important" along with diplomatic efforts to peacefully resolve the crisis.
The defense secretary also said the U.S. has suspended all military-to-military cooperation with Russia. Earlier this week, Hagel canceled two previously scheduled trilateral military exercises, one with Russia and Canada, and the other with Russia and Norway.