Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday convened a meeting with the Ukraine Defense Contact Group from his home where he’s recovering from prostate cancer treatment that led to a hospital stay kept secret for a time from the president, Congress and the public.

“As you can tell, I’m joining from home today. I’m feeling good and looking forward to being back at the Pentagon very soon,” he told the group, which includes countries that have pledged support for Ukraine in its war with Russia. “I’m grateful for all your warm wishes.”

The Pentagon last month announced its last security assistance, which included $250 million worth of air defense munitions, 155 and 105 millimeter artillery ammo, and medical equipment, among other items drawn from U.S. military stockpiles.

The U.S. hasn’t offered additional material support to Kyiv since then because the funds for replenishing the supply have run out and Congress hasn’t authorized more money. That didn’t stop Mr. Austin from urging other countries to “dig deep” and provide Ukraine with ground-based air defense systems and interceptors.

“Let’s be clear: Our support for Ukraine’s struggle against tyranny makes all of our countries more secure,” he said in the virtual meeting. “If we lose our nerve, if we flinch, if we fail to deter other would-be aggressors, we will only invite even more bloodshed and chaos.”

Mr. Austins said he’s grateful for the countries that have led “capability coalitions” supporting Ukraine’s air force, ground-based air defense capabilities, field artillery, maritime operations, de-mining and information technology.

“That’s just another reminder of how much we can do when we come together. The security of the entire international community is on the line in Ukraine’s fight,” he said. 

• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.