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 battlefield developments and U.S. security assistance to Ukraine. Secretary Austin updated Minister Umerov on U.S. security assistance to provide the capabilities Ukraine needs to fight Russian aggression. They also discussed planning for the next Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting and the continued strong support of Ukraine's international partners.
The two leaders pledged to remain in close contact.