U.S. defense secretary eyes international response to Russia on Ukraine

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrives to attend the 53rd Security Consultative Meeting a​t the Ministry of National Defense and meet South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook in Seoul, South Korea, December 2, 2021. Jeon Heon-Kyun/Pool via REUTERS

SEOUL (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday suggested any U.S. response to Russia's actions towards Ukraine would be carried out in conjunction with the international community, as he called on Moscow to be transparent about its military buildup.

Austin, during a visit to South Korea, also voiced hope that the United States and Russia could work to "resolve issues and concerns and lower the temperature in the region."