Secretary Austin Delivers Remarks During Virtual Ukraine Defense Contact Group

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. — Just hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Russia could add a nuclear first strike to its military doctrine, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized that those with nuclear weapons must avoid “provocative behavior” that could destabilize the world.

“As the Kremlin continues its cruel and unprovoked war of choice against Ukraine, the whole world has seen Putin engage in deeply irresponsible nuclear saber rattling,” Austin said. “So make no mistake. Nuclear powers have a profound responsibility to avoid provocative behavior and to lower the risk of proliferation and to prevent escalation and nuclear war.”

Austin spoke at the change of command ceremony for US Strategic Command, which saw Air Force Gen. Anthony Cotton — most recently the head of Air Force Global Strike Command — take over for Adm. Charles Richard.

Cotton becomes head of STRATCOM at a critical juncture for the US nuclear enterprise, when China’s nuclear buildup — including the creation of a nuclear triad — has made it a third major nuclear power, marking a “new phase” where the US faces two strategic nuclear competitors, Austin said.

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At the same time, the US military is spending billions of dollars to modernize the nuclear triad, with programs for the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine, Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile system and the B-21 Raider bomber — which was revealed to the public last week — all in various stages of development.

During a roundtable with reporters this morning, a STRATCOM representative said the command has a “responsibility to take Putin very seriously.” Asked how the command views Putin’s recent comments, the official said: “He wanted to message that he would not take first strike off the table.”

In his speech, Austin underscored the need for nuclear powers to reduce the risk of escalation.

“We remain committed to putting diplomacy first and to enhancing transparency and predictability, and we stand ready to pursue new arms control arrangements with willing partners operating in good faith,” he said.

Austin praised Richard for leading STRATCOM “with vigilance and resolve at a time of evolving threats, and during a global pandemic,” and noted milestones from Richard’s early career as the youngest commanding officer of a nuclear-powered submarine.

Cotton started his Air Force career as a missile officer at Minot Air Force Base. Throughout his career, he commanded missile and space wings and served as commander of Air University.