U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III and his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, recently discussed the need for more air and artillery support in Ukraine. The conversation also touched on the importance of a pending aid package from Congress, which is seen as crucial to Ukraine's defense efforts.
"Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov today regarding developments on the ground and the impact of Russia's continued aerial attacks against civilian critical infrastructure," Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said. "Secretary Austin and Minister Umerov discussed Ukraine's most pressing capability requirements and reaffirmed the urgent need for the National Security Supplemental."
According to a DOD news release, Austin and Umerov will maintain close contact, hoping that the U.S. can continue to provide military aid to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an interview with France24 over the weekend, warned that without Congressional approval for an aid package, Ukraine could lose its war against Russia. A $60 billion package designed to help Ukraine resist Russian aggression has been stalled by House Republicans who are demanding additional funding for border security before they will pass the bill.
"It is necessary to specifically tell Congress that if Congress does not help Ukraine, Ukraine will lose the war," Zelensky said according to France24. Despite this setback in American aid, Ukrainian forces continue their resistance.
A Ukrainian intelligence official informed NBC News about a recent successful operation by Ukraine’s Security Service in cooperation with the army. This operation targeted a military airfield near Morozovsk in Russia where Ukrainian forces used drones to destroy six military bombers that Russians had been using to launch guided aerial bombs at Ukrainian cities and frontline positions. Russian leaders refuted these claims, insisting they captured 44 drones and that the only significant damage at their military base was to a power substation.
"The attack on the Morozovsk airfield was carried out by the SBU together with the military and the Defense Forces, at least 6 planes were destroyed," the official said to NBC News. "This is an important special operation that will significantly reduce the combat potential of the Russians."
