Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to discuss the latest battlefield developments and the upcoming meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.

According to the Pentagon's website, "Austin reiterated the commitment of the United States and our coalition of approximately 50 Allies and partners in supporting Ukraine in its ongoing fight against Russia's unprovoked aggression."

"The two leaders pledged to remain in close contact," the Pentagon said.

As reported, the next meeting in the Ramstein format will take place on February 14 at NATO headquarters in Brussels.