Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held a conversation with Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov, focusing on the current battlefield situation and U.S. security support for Ukraine. Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder released details of the discussion.

During the call, Secretary Austin expressed condemnation of Russia's recent missile attacks and drone strikes aimed at Ukraine's civilian infrastructure. He also criticized Russia's deployment of an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile in Ukraine, describing it as a further escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Secretary Austin informed Minister Umerov about the ongoing increase in U.S. security assistance to help Ukraine counter Russian aggression effectively.

Both leaders committed to maintaining close communication moving forward.