Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone today with Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov to discuss the latest on the situation on the ground and the upcoming virtual Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting on January 23.

Austin reiterated that “the United States and our coalition of some 50 Allies and partners remain committed to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression,” Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder said.

The ministers also agreed to maintain close contact.