Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov

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 Tuesday regarding battlefield dynamics and security assistance priorities. Minister Umerov provided an update on Ukraine's operations and capability needs. The leaders also discussed the successful 24th Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting held on September 6. Secretary Austin reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to working with Allies and partners to ensure Ukraine has the tools it needs to prevail in its fight against Russian aggression.

The two leaders pledged to remain in close contact.