Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová, Prime Minister Eduard Heger, and Minister of Defence Jaroslav Nad' in Bratislava yesterday. At all three meetings, Secretary Austin affirmed U.S. appreciation for the U.S.-Slovakia strategic partnership and for their commitment to the security of NATO's Eastern Flank during this critical time.
The leaders reflected on the bravery of the Ukrainian people and the unbreakable unity among NATO Allies in response to Russia's unprovoked and premeditated invasion of Ukraine. The Secretary discussed the collective imperative to military assistance to Ukraine and to establish multinational battlegroups on NATO's Eastern Flank.
The Secretary concluded his visit to Slovakia by meeting U.S., Slovak, and NATO forces at Vajnory Barracks in Bratislava to express appreciation for their service and participation in the U.S. military-led SABER STRIKE exercise occurring in Slovakia and locations across the region.
