U.S. reaffirms support for Black Sea allies

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin signed an agreement to continue U.S. support for Georgia’s military for six years as part of his trip through the Black Sea region to support allies facing Russian aggression.

The action came ahead of visits to Ukraine and Romania to deliver a message of support for their sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“One point I’d like to be clear on is the United States condemns Russia’s ongoing occupation of Georgia and its attempts to expand influence in the Black Sea region through military coercion and malign activities,” Austin said while standing beside Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, according to a report from Defense News. “This is an important region, and its security and stability are crucial to fully realize a vision that we share of a Europe that is whole and free and at peace.”

The current agreement is to expire at the end of the year, but Austin and Georgian Defense Minister Juansher Burchuladze signed the replacement agreement October 18, 2021, during Austin’s visit.

Austin said the U.S. support will help the former Soviet republic on the Black Sea build “effective deterrence and defense.” (Pictured: U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, left, is greeted by Georgian Minister of Defense Juansher Burchuladze in Tbilisi, Georgia, on October 18, 2021.)

U.S. support has included participating in military exercises with Georgian forces.

Georgia and Russia fought a short war in 2008 that ended with Russia gaining control of two separatist republics that account for about 20% of Georgia’s territory.

Georgia and Ukraine are NATO aspirants, and Romania is a member. Amid the Russian troop presence, NATO has refused to advance Georgia’s membership, and western allies have been pressuring Georgia to curb corruption.

Austin responded to a question about Georgia’s reform efforts by saying, “The U.S. has always been a strong supporter of Georgia’s democratic development and independence, and we consistently seek to strengthen its democratic institutions,” Austin said, according to the Defense News report. “Our embassy noted some problems with the recent election, but we also expressed confidence in Georgia’s ability to improve.”

IMAGE CREDIT: CHAD J. MCNEELEY/U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE