BRIGADIER GENERAL PATRICK RYDER: Effectively, good afternoon, everybody. Thanks very a lot for being right here as we speak. I hope you all had a terrific Labor Day weekend. I’ve just a few objects to move alongside, after which I will be pleased to take your questions.
As , the Division of Protection launched its Fiscal Yr 2021 Annual Report on Sexual Assault within the Army final week. On his first day in workplace because the Secretary of Protection, Secretary Austin made clear that countering the scourge of sexual assault and sexual harassment in our army was a high precedence for him and the division’s management, and that is nonetheless very true as we speak.
Because the statistics from the report point out, we’ve rather more work to do to make sure that all members of the U.S. army and the Division of Protection are handled with dignity and respect, and that they’ll do their essential work for our nation with out concern of violence or harassment. Division of Protection leaders will proceed to stay sharply centered on eliminating sexual assault, and as a division, we’re dedicated to stopping this scourge from taking place within the first place, helping sexual assault survivors with restoration and resilience when it does occur, holding offenders accountable and rebuilding belief and confidence amongst our warfighters that DOD leaders are taking this matter significantly.
Along with the annual report, Secretary Austin issued a memo on Thursday to senior Pentagon management and senior area commanders detailing the particular a number of actions DOD is taking to fight sexual assault and sexual harassment, which is accessible on the Protection.gov web site below the publications tab.
Sexual assault within the army is a nationwide protection difficulty, and addressing it’s one thing this division considers completely very important to the well being and readiness of our forces. Within the memo’s closing, Secretary Austin makes his views very clear on this topic to U.S. army leaders: Sexual violence is not going to be tolerated inside our ranks. This can be a management difficulty, and we’ll lead.
Individually, I wish to spotlight just a few operations and administrative objects in your consciousness. There will likely be an operational check launch of an Air Drive International Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile early tomorrow morning, September 7, from Vandenberg Area Drive Base in California. This launch is a routine check which was scheduled far prematurely, and in keeping with earlier exams, this ICBM launch will validate and confirm effectiveness and readiness of the system. In accordance with customary procedures, the US has transmitted a prelaunch notification pursuant to the Hague Code of Conduct, and notified the Russian authorities prematurely pursuant to treaty obligations.
The aim of the ICBM Take a look at Launch Program is to show the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and supply confidence within the safety and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrent. As chances are you’ll recall, the final check launch was August 4th, which had been delayed. So for these questioning about timing, the 2 launches moved nearer collectively as a result of delays from the August date sliding to the precise. And once more, tomorrow’s launch was scheduled far prematurely.
After which lastly, as a reminder, Secretary Austin and Basic Milley will host an in-person assembly Thursday of the Ukraine Protection Contact Group, and will likely be joined by ministers of protection and senior army officers at Ramstein Air Base from 50-plus nations world wide to debate the continuing disaster in Ukraine.
The Secretary and the Chairman stay up for these essential discussions, which show the sturdy worldwide unity, resolve and assist for the Ukrainian folks as they proceed to combat and defend their nation towards Russian aggressions.
And with that, I am pleased to take your questions. Let me begin with A.P.
Q: Hello, Pat. Thanks.
Q: Yup. Are you able to hear me? Pat? Are you able to hear me?
GEN. RYDER: I can hear you, sure.
Q: So I’ve a query on the most recent intelligence suggesting that Russia’s hoping to purchase some hundreds of thousands of {dollars} of rockets and artillery from North Korea. Has the Pentagon seen any indication that’s ongoing already, or preparation for that? After which only a fast one on the secretary’s journey this week. Do you anticipate that there will likely be extra assist introduced, or every other adjustments in U.S. troop posture in Europe as a part of this coming assembly?
GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks for the query, Lita. So let me take your second query first and say that I haven’t got any bulletins to make proper now. Definitely, the Secretary appears ahead to the conversations as a part of the Ukraine Contact Group, and we’ll make sure you hold you up to date on that entrance when it comes to any outcomes.
So far as your first query, sure, we do have indications that Russia has approached North Korea to request ammunition. I am not in a position to present any extra element than that at this time limit, nevertheless it does show and is indicative of the scenario that Russia finds itself when it comes to its logistics and sustainment capabilities because it pertains to Ukraine. Definitely, as has been stated, we assess that issues usually are not going effectively on that entrance for Russia, so the truth that they’re reaching out to North Korea is an indication that they are having some challenges on the sustainment entrance. Thanks.
Q: Only a fast comply with then. You talked about they’re in a course of getting these weapons. Does that imply they’ve, like, despatched the cash over? They’re ready for the cargo? Have they not despatched cash over? What a part of the method are they in?
GEN. RYDER: Yeah, so the data we’ve is that they’ve approached North Korea, however past that, I haven’t got any additional particulars to offer.
Q: There’s been no switch of cash essentially.
GEN. RYDER: I haven’t got every other particulars to offer.
Q: And simply to comply with up, why declassify this info now? Is it since you acquired it now, or as a result of the method of declassification took awhile? I assume why now?
GEN. RYDER: So what I’d say, Idris, is that as this marketing campaign has unfolded, we have tried to make an effort to make sure that the general public and the worldwide group perceive the scenario that Russia finds itself as they, once more, proceed to wage their marketing campaign in Ukraine. This info is related to the combat within the sense that, once more, it is indicative of the scenario that Russia finds itself in and exhibits the truth that they’re attempting to achieve out to worldwide actors like Iran and North Korea that do not have the very best report in relation to worldwide stability.
Q: After which one final query actual fast. Is that this the primary time the Russians have reached out to the North Koreans for some of these weapons?
GEN. RYDER: I haven’t got a solution to that. Okay, Lara?
Q: Yeah, thanks. Are you able to give us an replace — two questions. To begin with, are you able to give us an replace on what you are seeing from the drones that Russia has acquired from Iran? Are you seeing indications of further failures like we noticed final week? What is the standing there?
After which I additionally wished to ask — we’re seeing these studies that Ukraine has launched a counteroffensive now within the Kharkiv Oblast. Are you able to present any replace on what the Ukrainian armed forces are doing there?
GEN. RYDER: Certain. In your first query, I haven’t got any updates to offer. By way of what we’re seeing in Ukraine, what I’d inform you is that normally what we have see within the Kherson area, first, is a few — or continued offensive operations by the Ukrainians. They proceed to make some ahead motion. We’re conscious that they’ve retaken some villages.
By way of that, , additional element past that, I would refer you to the Ukrainians. However that is in all probability about as a lot info as I am going to have the ability to present when it comes to an operational replace from the rostrum. I will should get again to you on that.
Q: If I might simply comply with up, have you ever seen any motion of Russian forces from the east to resupply the south?
GEN. RYDER: So when it comes to Russian forces, what I’d inform you is that we’ve seen some offensive Russian exercise up in — close to Bakhmut. And in that scenario, the Ukrainians proceed to carry the road. So far as Russian reinforcement, I haven’t got any particulars to offer on that. Jim?
Q: Basic, clearly, the Secretary and the Chairman will likely be discussing coaching for Ukrainian forces outdoors of Ukraine by allied or partnered international locations. Are you able to, kind of, say what is the stage of coaching proper now, earlier than this assembly that is developing?
GEN. RYDER: Certain. You recognize, speaking in broad phrases, primarily consisting of coaching on numerous weapons programs that we’re offering to the Ukrainians, offering coaching on upkeep and logistics sort of assist. We will actually work with you to get you extra particulars, extra granularity on that. However, usually talking, that is the sort of coaching that we’re offering.
And once more, this isn’t one thing new, essentially, though actually, for the reason that invasion, there was a continued elevated deal with supporting the Ukrainians. However, as you effectively know, that is one thing that we have been doing since 2014.
Q: Kind of, together with that, one of many feedback that you simply hear most frequently from the Ukrainian army is the function that NCOs play in small items, particularly. However that was additionally part of the coaching that the Ukrainian army acquired from the U.S. forces.
Is that also persevering with? Are they nonetheless doing that? Or has the exigencies of battle, kind of, wiped that out?
GEN. RYDER: So we’ll get again to you when it comes to the specifics on that side of the coaching. What I’d say is, sure, broadly talking, that highlighting and dealing with the Ukrainians, when it comes to NCO management, has — is one thing that we’ve carried out.
You recognize, this can be a strategic benefit in lots of methods, of the U.S. army and plenty of Western militaries, is the noncommissioned officer corps, when it comes to what they create to the battlefield and enabling trendy militaries. So I do know that that’s an space that’s of continued significance. However allow us to get again to you when it comes to particular coaching on that entrance. Thanks, Jim.
All proper. Let’s return to the telephone strains right here. Do we’ve Fox News?
Q: Hey, sure, Liz Friden with Fox News. Thanks for taking my query.
So far as the Iranian capturing the ocean drones final week, there have been two totally different incidents within the Center East. Does the U.S. make something of this taking place abruptly, because the Iran negotiations are ongoing with the nuclear deal?
And is that this a part of a higher development?
GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks for the query, Liz.
So we don’t see the 2 as linked. Once more, as you are conscious, within the case of the saildrones, we did get well the drones and it is simply one other instance of Iranian exercise on this area that’s unprofessional and problematic.
And so actually we’ll proceed to keep watch over that entrance, however once more, to reply your query, we don’t see these two as linked.
Q: Final week, the Wall Avenue Journal reported the Pentagon created a brand new activity pressure to expedite the arms gross sales to U.S. allies and companions final month. First, might you verify the report? And secondly, is there a priority within the Pentagon that the U.S. won’t be able to sufficiently arm Taiwan by 2027, when the U.S. army assesses that China could have the capabilities to invade Taiwan?
GEN. RYDER: Yeah, so when it comes to the International Army Gross sales tiger workforce, sure, we did not too long ago provoke an inside FMS tiger workforce course of in exploring a variety of instant and systemic areas for reform of Division of Protection processes, platforms and regional views to enhance our potential to work with allies and companions.
And it is essential to focus on the truth that this endeavor will not be centered on a specific area, it is slightly designed to intensively discover and have a look at inside processes all through the division. And so that is largely centered on effectivity.
And I am sorry, are you able to ask your second query once more?
Q: So is there any explicit concern within the Pentagon that the U.S. is not going to present adequate variety of weapons programs to Taiwan by 2027, when the U.S. army says that China might have capabilities to invade Taiwan?
GEN. RYDER: So what I’d inform you is that we’ll proceed to work carefully with our worldwide companions and allies. I am the — I haven’t got any particular remarks or feedback to make as we speak in regard to Taiwan or — or potential or future army gross sales, apart from to say that, , we’ll proceed to work very carefully on stability within the area and work carefully with our companions within the area to make sure that stays the case. Thanks.
Fadi? After which we’ll go to the telephone.
Q: Thanks, Basic. So simply to comply with up on the query on the Saildrone incident, particularly the second — Wall Avenue Journal reported over the weekend that the cameras on each drones have been lacking.
To begin with, can you verify that report and whether or not Iran took the cameras or do you may have an thought the place they’re now?
GEN. RYDER: So I can verify that the cameras have been lacking. These are unclassified, unsensitive, off-the-shelf know-how. By way of what particularly occurred to them, I haven’t got that info, so no, I am unable to verify that Iran took them.
As a result of these are industrial, off-the-shelf programs, , actually I would refer you to NAVCENT, when it comes to, , the efforts to restore these, however no explicit issues with reference to the truth that, once more, this was not delicate gear.
Q: Is there an effort to speak with the Iranians, to ask if they really have the cameras?
GEN. RYDER: I haven’t got any info into that. Once more, what I’d say is that we name on the Iranians to train good seamanship and observe the worldwide guidelines and norms in relation to working on this space. Thanks.
Sure, sir?
Q: Basic, within the final week, we’ve seen Greeks utilizing their S-300s locked on Turkish jets conducting NATO mission. Is it an appropriate habits for the US, significantly whenever you assume the mission was a NATO mission?
GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks for the query, Qasim. What I’d inform you is I am conscious of these studies however I haven’t got any info to offer from right here.
Q: — coverage — for instance, United States army can be conducting lots of missions like this, , over the companion skies, in companion skies. Do you assume that, like, one thing like this occurred to the US, would that be acceptable?
GEN. RYDER: Effectively, I do not wish to get into hypotheticals, proper? What I’d inform you is that Secretary Austin has talked up to now with each his Turkish and his Greek counterparts and emphasised the necessity for continued efforts to scale back tensions within the Aegean via a constructive dialogue. So I would go away it at that. Thanks.
Let me go forward and go to the telephone right here. Tony Capaccio from Bloomberg?
Q: Hello, sir. I had a fast query on the Ukraine — on the Afghanistan after motion report. You talked about final week {that a} categorised model has been ready. What group has ready it? Was that the Nationwide Protection College? And what are your plans for releasing pretty rapidly the manager abstract, a minimum of?
GEN. RYDER: Thanks, Tony. So sure, Nationwide Protection College was liable for compiling the report. And I am not going to place a timeline on when the Secretary’s evaluate will likely be full, nor once we could have an unclassified side of that report obtainable for launch.
Q: So will you a minimum of decide to an expedited evaluate of the classification of the report in order that, , the general public can see this and it is simply not leaked it?
GEN. RYDER: Definitely, Tony, I will decide to taking your query and having a look at that, and — and when we’ve one thing obtainable, we’ll make sure you present that. Thanks although.
Okay, let’s do yet one more from the telephone right here. Joe Gould, Protection News?
Q: Hello, Basic. Thanks for taking my query. I’ve a two-parter additionally, in mild of the Ukraine assist request from the administration. First half is what is the present variety of U.S. troops mobilized in Europe to bolster NATO for the reason that invasion? Is that also about 10,000?
After which additionally, is it right that there’s about $2.8 billion in presidential drawdown authority that is gone unused and will likely be allowed to run out on the finish of the fiscal 12 months?
GEN. RYDER: Okay, so when it comes to U.S. troop presence in Europe, sure, the numbers have remained the identical. We’re at about 100,000 U.S. forces within the AOR, along with the troops that we deployed to offer further assist.
By way of the help for Ukraine, actually, , I do not wish to speculate about future funding, apart from to say that we’re dedicated to utilizing the help that we’ve to assist Ukraine and we’ll proceed to work very carefully with the interagency and with Congress to make sure that we’re spending that assist as expeditiously as attainable, to assist them of their combat.
(UNKNOWN): Thanks.
GEN. RYDER: Sure, ma’am?
Q: Felicia Schwartz, Monetary Instances. On the coaching, up to now, we have gotten numbers of what number of Ukrainians have gone via, I imply, unspecific programs, just like the HIMARS or for drones in some situations. Do you may have any, like, up to date numbers and even ballpark figures about what number of Ukrainians have been via coaching at this level?
RYDER: I haven’t got that proper in entrance of me. However let me take that query and we’ll see what we will present you.
Again to the telephone line right here. Heather from USNI.
Q: Thanks a lot. I used to be simply questioning if we will get a maritime replace what is going on on out in Ukraine within the Black Sea.
RYDER: Certain. I can speak in broad phrases, Heather. You recognize, we proceed to see the grain shipments departing Odesa, which is a optimistic factor. We proceed to remain centered on that. By way of operational updates, , clearly that I do not wish to get into intelligence from the rostrum right here apart from to say that we hold an in depth eye on that area because the battle continues to unfold. Thanks.
All proper. Sure, sir.
Q: — Newsmax. Only a fast query for you about Taiwan once more. What’s the Pentagon’s evaluation of the battle between China and Taiwan proper now in Taiwan Strait?
RYDER: An evaluation of the battle in what sense?
Q: Newest of what is going on on proper now within the final couple of days?
RYDER: Effectively, , when it comes to specifics on the bottom exercise, I would refer you to Taiwan. Clearly from a U.S. army standpoint we proceed to function within the area, most not too long ago on 28 August, in fact, with our Taiwan Strait transit. You recognize, it is a kind of areas that we’ll proceed to maintain an in depth eye on with our companions and our allies within the area. Definitely there may be pressure there. However we might name on China to proceed to make sure the soundness of the area. And I will simply go away it at that. Thanks.
We’ll go to Lara, after which yet one more on the telephone right here.
Q: Simply to comply with up on that, we heard from Colin Kahl a few weeks in the past that there have been no new assessments that China was going to invade Taiwan any prior to we have beforehand thought. Is that now that a few weeks have handed since these workouts occurred and we have seen China, , persevering with to violate Taiwan’s airspace, is there any new assessments occurring concerning the prospect of this taking place within the subsequent 5, 10 years?
RYDER: Sure, I am not conscious of any new assessments.
Luis.
Q: Can we return to the questions on North Korea. What are a few of the capabilities that North Korea might truly supply Russia in its combat in Ukraine?
RYDER: Effectively, the data that we’ve is that Russia has particularly requested for ammunition. However when it comes to the capabilities, I do not wish to speculate on what Russia might or might not want past that or what they might supply.
Q: Are we seeing any indications that Russia is making comparable reach-out efforts to pleasant nations world wide. I imply, we have seen the Iran drone deal, now this info which you have declassified. Are they making different contacts world wide to do just about the identical factor which is attain out for ammunition and different —
(CROSSTALK)
RYDER: So based mostly on the data that I’ve, I’d say at this level time we have seen North Korea and Iran because the international locations that they’ve reached out to. So, thanks.
Okay. Let’s go to Jeff Seldin, VOA.
Q: Basic, thanks very a lot for doing this. One query on Russia, one on Iran.
Simply usually what’s the newest that the Pentagon has when it comes to any adjustments to Russia’s nuclear posture, particularly with the Ukrainian counteroffensive seeming to make some steps?
And in addition on Iran, are you able to clarify, what does the Pentagon make of Iran’s elevated aggressiveness each in time period — , we noticed it final week with the makes an attempt to seize the Saildrones. However are you seeing that matched by the IRGC or Iran’s proxy forces, whether or not within the Center East or past when it comes to Iran’s aggressive posture?
RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Jeff. No adjustments when it comes to your first query, no adjustments when it comes to the posture. Once more, that’s an space that we’ll simply proceed to maintain a really shut eye on.
So far as the motivations behind Iran, once more, I would refer you to them for any, , dialogue of their motivations. By way of — in case you have a look at the habits of Iran over the long run on this area of the world, some of these incidents sadly usually are not that unusual. Once more, it is an space that we proceed to watch, however the sort of unprofessional, inappropriate habits in relation to these sort of harassing actions usually are not useful within the area in relation to preserving peace and stability and worldwide waterways. Thanks, Jeff.
All proper, let me go to Jeff Schogol, Process & Function.
Q: Thanks. The Protection Division will cease issuing the Nationwide Protection Service Medal as of December thirty first. Wouldn’t it be correct to say the division is acknowledging the worldwide battle on terrorism has ended?
RYDER: Effectively, actually, we wish to acknowledge those that have supported and engaged on this operation. Definitely, during the last 20 years, lots of women and men within the U.S. army have labored very exhausting to counter terrorism, however when it comes to the precise medal, Jeff, let me get again to you on that and its present standing. Thanks.
All proper, any others within the room right here? Sure, sir?
Q: Sir, in mild of President Biden’s latest speech in Philadelphia, does the Pentagon have a place on using serving army forces in picture ops like that?
RYDER: Yeah, thanks for the query. I believe the White Home addressed that query the opposite day, so I would refer you again to the White Home.
All proper, let me go to Mike Brest, Washington Examiner.
Q: Requested and answered, thanks.
RYDER: Nancy from Wall Avenue Journal?
Q: Thanks. I would like to return to an announcement you made final week a couple of evaluate of Afghanistan for functions of a presidential unit quotation. Can we please get an inventory of all open studies associated to — or, excuse me — all open evaluations associated to Afghanistan?
And in addition, I would prefer to revisit one thing that Tony was asking earlier. Secretary Austin, when he introduced the after-action report, stated that it was essential that we’re in a position to study a lesson, that he’d achieve this, and that that evaluate could be taking place within the days forward. That was greater than a 12 months in the past. I’d ask that you simply please take the query of when that report will likely be declassified, or some model of it. I do not assume it is truthful to the American public that has been promised some public accounting of what occurred in these last days of Afghanistan, an open-ended promise of perhaps declassifying such a vital report. Thanks.
RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Nancy.
Sure, once more, and positively, I will decide to taking that query. And , as a part of this course of, clearly, and as a group that for apparent causes was very actively concerned in Afghanistan, we wish to be sure that we’re capturing these classes discovered, and that we’re in a position to apply these classes not solely to as we speak, however future operations.
Definitely perceive the curiosity on this subject, each as a service member and as an American. So once more, I will take that query and we’ll get again to you as quickly as we will, when it comes to what we’ll be capable to present on an unclassified word.
After which I am sorry, you had one other half to your query —
Q: I am sorry, I — I —
(CROSSTALK)
Q: — only a record of what —
RYDER: Oh on the unit citations. So once more, a part of that course was for the companies to do the expedited evaluate, so far as which items they suggest for the presidential unit quotation. And so the companies, in and of themselves, ought to have info on their very own efforts.
Definitely, this isn’t the one recognition that is being supplied or has been supplied for operations associated to Afghanistan, however we’ll take your query and supply what we will. Thanks.
Okay, let me go to Paul Hanley, AFP.
Q: Hello, are you able to hear me? Hi there? Are you able to hear me?
RYDER: I can hear you.
Q: Oh, okay, sorry. Look, going again to the Saildrones, are you able to say on what foundation these have been recovered, what calls for did you — did the U.S. Navy make to the Iranians, and was there a risk leveled, was there a kinetic pressure thought-about?
And stepping again extra broadly, are you able to say what number of of those have you ever deployed within the Gulf and are they solely there or is the Navy utilizing them in such a big quantity elsewhere on the earth?
RYDER: Certain. To reply your first query — in order I perceive it, the Iranian Navy held these Saildrones on their deck of their ship in a single day and returned them the subsequent morning. By way of how lengthy they have been working within the neighborhood or on this space, these drones are operated as a part of fifth Fleet’s Process Drive 59.
They have been working within the area for the reason that starting of the 12 months, so January of 2022. And they’re a means that we’re in a position to present info to NAVCENT rapidly, so far as safely transiting the realm, offering info when it comes to potential points or threats within the space, however backside line is that, once more, there was no scenario by which forces have been, as you place it, hostile. They took them after which the 2 U.S. Navy guided missile destroyers that have been working within the neighborhood responded, moved into the realm, however then shortly after, like I stated, in a single day, the Iranians launched them. Thanks.
RYDER: We’ll go to Tony Bertuca, Inside Protection.
Q: Thanks, I respect it. Final week, DOT&E Nickolas Guertin was tapped for a job to be an ASD with the Navy for Analysis, Improvement and Acquisition, and people are two very totally different jobs, proper? One’s an unbiased evaluator of weapons applications and the opposite one is an advocate for weapons applications.
Is Mr. Guertin going to remain on as DOT&E whereas he pursues affirmation in — within the Navy job? After which how does the division regulate to potential battle of curiosity that this may trigger?
RYDER: Yeah, thanks very a lot for the query, Tony. Let me take that one and get again to you. I simply do not have the perception to offer on that, so let me get again to you on that one.
Q: All proper. Thanks.
RYDER: Barbara Starr, CNN?
Q: I wished to comply with up on a few issues.
On Afghanistan, as a result of army public affairs does have the job of speaking info to the general public so long as it would not violate nationwide safety, are you able to get us a minimum of a solution on who, what workplace is likely to be advocating in entrance of the Secretary for some sort of declassification of this report? Who’s placing the case to him, if anybody, that it is a good suggestion to supply some stage of public information on this?
My second query is I am nonetheless not listening to you utilize the phrase “counter-offensive” regarding the Ukrainian strikes in Kherson and round there, and I am curious why you are still — the Pentagon remains to be not comfy saying “counter-offensive”?
And really rapidly, my third query — are you able to give us any indication, do you may have issues that Russia is likely to be reaching out to China for munitions or that the Chinese language could also be providing munitions to Russia? Does that concern you? Thanks.
RYDER: So in your first query, I imply, actually public affairs does play a job in offering recommendation and counsel in relation to the general public launch of data of curiosity to the general public and to members of the Division of Protection, and so we’re and will likely be part of these conversations. And once more, I take the purpose, it is effectively taken, when it comes to the significance of this info, not solely to our service members however to the American public.
With regard to Ukrainian operations, this can be a Ukrainian army operation. I will go away it to the Ukrainians — we’ll go away it to the Ukrainians to characterize or outline their operations when it comes to the place they’re of their marketing campaign. And so once more, it is not acceptable for me, as a Division of Protection spokesperson, to characterize it for them.
After which lastly, with reference to China and Russia, actually as evidenced by Russia’s most up-to-date workouts and different actions, there’s a relationship between China and Russia.
By way of what Russia could also be asking of China or not, I haven’t got any info to offer from the rostrum on that, apart from to say that in an period of strategic competitors, we’ll proceed to maintain a really shut eye on Russia and China and the threats that they pose to worldwide stability and the worldwide guidelines and norms which have largely saved the world secure for the final 70-plus years, since World Struggle II. Thanks, Barbara.
Okay, thanks very a lot, everyone. I respect your time as we speak.
