Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Ukrainian Minister of Defense Rustem UmerovSecretary Lloyd J Austin III's Bilateral Meeting With Ukraine's[...]

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held bilateral talks with Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov today regarding Ukraine's ongoing operations, security assistance priorities, and the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) to be held in Ramstein, Germany next week.

Secretary Austin reaffirmed the enduring support of the United States for a free, secure, and sovereign Ukraine. The leaders discussed security assistance priorities, including air defense to protect Ukrainian civilians and critical infrastructure from Russia's brutal aerial attacks, as well as artillery, armored vehicles, and other capabilities to help Ukraine build additional combat power to fight Russian aggression.

Secretary Austin and Minister Umerov also discussed plans for the September 6 UDCG to maintain the unity and strong support of more than 50 Allies and partners for Ukraine's immediate battlefield needs and long-term security through the UDCG's eight Capability Coalitions.

The two leaders pledged to continue to build on the strategic partnership between the United States and Ukraine.