Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Ukrainian Minister of Defence Oleksiy Reznikov to reiterate the unwavering US commitment to supporting Ukraine's ability to counter Russia's aggression, the US Department of Defense has reported.
"Secretary Austin also underscored the international community's continued support in building Ukraine's enduring strength and safeguarding Ukraine's ability to defend itself in the future, as demonstrated by the security assistance commitments made by allies and partners at the most recent Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting on 12 October," the message on its website reads.
The two leaders pledged to remain in close contact.
On 21 October, Austin also spoke by phone with Russian Minister of Defense Sergey Shoygu. "Secretary Austin emphasized the importance of maintaining lines of communication amid the ongoing war against Ukraine," the Department of Defense said.
