Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov today to discuss recent developments on the battlefield, as well as the destructive impacts of Russia's ruthless missile barrages on Ukraine's cities and critical infrastructure. Secretary Austin and Minister Umerov discussed Ukraine's requirements for additional artillery, air defense, and other capabilities and the urgent need for the National Security Supplemental to enable Ukraine's continued fight against Russian aggression.
The two leaders pledged to remain in close contact.