WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made his first public appearance virtually Tuesday after being released from the hospital following complications from prostate cancer treatment.
Austin spoke in a Department of Defense livestream video before the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.
“We’re eager to enter this new year with new energy,” Austin said.
He did not comment on his recent hospitalization, and instead focused on bridging a gap in funding for Ukraine.
“So, I urge this group to dig deep to provide Ukraine with more lifesaving ground-based air defense systems and interceptors,” Austin said.
Austin’s remarks come as the U.S. waits for Congress to pass a budget to potentially approve more support for Ukraine.
“The security of the entire international community is on the line in Ukraine’s fight, and I am more determined than ever to work with our allies and partners to support Ukraine and to get the job done,” Austin said.
The Pentagon announced its last $250 million security assistance for Ukraine on Dec. 27.
Austin joined Tuesday’s meeting from home.
The 70-year-old defense secretary has received criticism in recent weeks after failing to let the White House or Congress know he was hospitalized for days.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
