Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov held substantive talks with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd James Austin on the sidelines of Ramstein on the needs of Ukrainian forces at the front and security guarantees for Ukraine.

"Hold substantive negotiations with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. We discussed the urgent needs of Ukraine at the front, as well as guarantees for the security of our state. I am grateful to the United States and personally to Mr. Minister for the invaluable assistance in the fight against the Russian invaders," Umerov said on Facebook.

Umerov also congratulated General Mark Milley on the successful completion of his tenure as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States.

"Mr. Milley has truly become a member of the Ukrainian family. There is no doubt that General Milley's experience and wisdom will become an important asset to the defense community," he said on Facebook.

On September 19, the 15th meeting of Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format took place in Germany. For Umerov, this is the first meeting of the Contact Group on Defense.