The private, spur-of-the-moment character of the trip and a statement by a second defense minister, James Heappey, that Mr. Wallace’s Tuesday chats were “beyond comprehension,” hinted that extremely sensitive and weighty topics would be handled.
According to a source and an official, Defense Secretary Ben Wallace is on an impromptu trip to Washington to discuss “common security concerns,” including Ukraine and Russia, with his counterpart and White House officials.
The private, spur-of-the-moment character of the trip and a statement by a second defense minister, James Heappey, that Mr. Wallace’s Tuesday chats were “beyond comprehension,” hinted that extremely sensitive and weighty topics would be handled.
However, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly attempted to minimize the significance of the trip this morning.
It comes as the United Kingdom, the United States, and other NATO allies closely monitor Russia’s battle in Ukraine, amid fears that President Vladimir Putin may intensify his attacks even further, possibly launching a nuclear attack as his forces lose ground to western-armed Ukrainian troops.
The UK defense official declined to comment on the specifics of Mr. Wallace’s travel, saying only, “The defense secretary is in Washington, D.C. to address shared security concerns, including Ukraine.
He will visit his counterpart at the Pentagon and key White House officials.
Brigadier General Patrick Ryder, the US Pentagon’s press secretary, provided a similar explanation: “He is here today to discuss the Ukraine situation and US and UK joint efforts to support Ukraine, as well as to reaffirm the transatlantic ties and cooperation that our two countries share about issues like Russia.
As he responded to questions regarding the political crisis in the United Kingdom, Mr. Heappey conveyed a sense of the gravity of the issue.
“At a time of unprecedented global insecurity, we in the Ministry of Defence are doing a good job of ensuring the safety of our nation,” he said.
“My boss, Ben Wallace, is in Washington this morning having the kind of meetings that… it’s hard to believe we’re at a period when these conversations are essential.”
Regarding this matter, the Pentagon press secretary said, “Please contact the minister.”
However, the foreign secretary described Mr. Wallace’s travel as “routine and usual” and implied it was in response to Russia’s intensified targeting of civilian facilities.
Mr. Cleverly remarked, “There is a sense of urgency since civilians are being attacked in a novel fashion; thus, we must act swiftly in response.”
Some conversations are inappropriate for the telephone.
He said, “What we do is discuss the complete spectrum of how we can help the Ukrainians defend themselves; I’m not there, I’m here instead of in the United States, so I won’t speculate.”
There is no guard of honor
The absence of a guard of honor to receive Mr. Wallace at the Pentagon was an indicator that the visit had been hastily organized and was being kept low-key.
Tuesday’s appearance before a committee of MPs in London to discuss the United Kingdom, the United States, and NATO was canceled.
Last week, NATO defense ministers gathered in Brussels to discuss the risk of Russia employing nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Mr. Wallace and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin both attended and held a bilateral meeting there.
The nuclear rhetoric of Russia is “dangerous” and “reckless.”
When asked if NATO would consider a nuclear response if Russia used nuclear weapons in Ukraine, alliance chief Jens Stoltenberg told reporters on Thursday: “The fundamental purpose of NATO’s nuclear deterrent is to maintain peace, deter aggression, and prevent coercion against NATO allies.
“The likelihood that NATO would employ nuclear weapons is extremely remote. Russia’s nuclear talk is foolish and dangerous.
“They are aware that if they use nuclear weapons against Ukraine, there will be severe repercussions. Furthermore, they are aware that a nuclear war cannot be won and should never be fought.”
This week, NATO allies are conducting an annual exercise to test their nuclear strike capability. This year’s training is taking place over the United Kingdom, the North Sea, and Belgium.
Russia will also conduct annual nuclear exercises. The United States asserts that the Russians have kept them in the dark about their nuclear drills, the information they would typically receive.
