U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin noted the United States' unwavering commitment to support Ukraine during a meeting with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov at the Pentagon on Friday, the U.S. Department of Defense website said.

"They continue to fend off [the] Kremlin's assault and to inflict major losses on Russian invaders. So, make no mistake, the United States will not waiver in our support for a free and sovereign Ukraine," Austin said.

Austin also said that at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group next week at Ramstein Air Base, the partners will seek to meet Ukraine's urgent combat needs, including air defense capabilities to repel Russian drone and missile attacks.

At the same time, he said Ukrainian forces remain resilient despite Russia's regular attacks on Ukraine's critical civilian infrastructure. Meanwhile, the United States will continue to lead allies and partners in providing key assistance capabilities to Ukraine.

As previously reported, members of the Ukrainian delegation discussed Defense Force needs and joint weapons production during a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in Washington.