U.S. Secretary of Defense Austin has canceled his planned visit to Belgium this week due to hospitalization, and is expected to participate online in a meeting between the West and the United States to discuss military aid to Ukraine.
U.S. Department of Defense Spokesman Michael Rider said at a press conference on the 12th that Secretary of Defense Austin was hospitalized the day before and was treated under general anesthesia, saying he was "exhibiting symptoms that indicate an emergency problem with his bladder." He revealed that he had received the medical treatment, and that he is doing well and is expected to be able to return to his regular duties on the 13th.
Meanwhile, Secretary Austin was scheduled to visit Belgium from the 13th to the 16th this week to attend an international meeting led by the United States to discuss support for Ukraine, as well as a NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) defense ministers' meeting, but Rider reported that Officials announced that the visit would be cancelled.
For this reason, the Ukraine support meeting will be held online, and Secretary Austin intends to participate online, but NATO Ambassador Smith will attend the NATO defense ministers' meeting on his behalf.
``We have provided and will continue to provide significant assistance to Ukraine,'' Ryder said, emphasizing that America's security commitment to Ukraine is unwavering.