US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has made his first public appearance following his hospital stay, which was kept secret from the White House and Congress for days. The 70-year-old politician, who was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer, took part in a meeting of the Ukrainian Contact Group – via video call.
“The security of the entire international community is at stake in Ukraine’s struggle. “I am more committed than ever to working with our allies and partners to support Ukraine and get the job done,” Austin said (see also tweet below). He pointed to a military aid package worth 250 million dollars (about 230 million euros) that Washington released last month.
The defense secretary did not accept new US aid – with Republicans refusing to approve further tranches worth billions until US President Joe Biden meets their demands for a massive restriction on immigration across the Mexican border.
Complications after minor surgery
Austin was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer in December, according to his ministry. After minor surgery on December 22, he initially returned home. Due to complications, he was admitted to Walter Reed Military Hospital on January 1.
US President Joe Biden only learned of the cancer diagnosis on January 9. While Austin promised to implement a more transparent communications policy in the future, the White House and the Pentagon launched internal investigations.
Source: Krone
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