Lloyd Austin, US Minister of Defense, was admitted to “intensive care” on Monday. He had delegated his functions on Sunday after being admitted to hospital for "an urgent bladder problem" His multiple hospitalizations in the greatest discretion had created controversy.
The top US defense official is also a key figure in the Biden administration's efforts to maintain support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, as congressional Republicans refuse to authorize new funding for military aid to Kiev. The controversy over his health problems also came at a time when US forces in Iraq and Syria are regularly targeted by attacks by Iranian-backed fighters, according to Washington.