Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov at the Pentagon to discuss the United States’ ongoing support for Ukraine. Austin condemned Russia’s recent assault on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and reaffirmed the U.S.’ commitment to providing key capabilities to help Ukraine defend itself. He emphasized that targeting civilians is never acceptable and expressed confidence in Ukraine’s resilience in the face of Russian aggression. Austin praised the Ukrainian forces for their steadfastness and reiterated the U.S.’ unwavering support for a free and sovereign Ukraine.
The meeting between Austin and Umerov took place ahead of the upcoming Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where nearly 50 allies and partners will gather to discuss Ukraine’s urgent battlefield needs. The focus will be on providing air-defense capabilities to defend against Russian drone and missile attacks. This effort is part of the U.S.’ ongoing commitment to ensuring that Ukraine has the necessary capabilities to defend its territory and deter Russian aggression in the long term. The Defense Department recently announced a $125 million security assistance package for Ukraine, which includes weapons and ammunition to address immediate needs.
The U.S. has provided significant support to Ukraine since August 2021, with the recent announcement marking the 64th provision of equipment from DOD inventories. During the meeting, Umerov and Austin discussed the current situation on the battlefield and Ukraine’s objectives and plans moving forward. Umerov expressed gratitude to Austin for his leadership in mobilizing an international coalition to support Ukraine’s defense. He commended the U.S. for setting an example and encouraging other partners to stand by Ukraine during this critical time.
Overall, the meeting between Austin and Umerov highlighted the strong partnership between the U.S. and Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. Austin’s condemnation of Russia’s actions and commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts underscored the U.S.’s enduring commitment to the region. The upcoming Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting will provide an opportunity for allies and partners to coordinate efforts to meet Ukraine’s urgent needs and strengthen its ability to defend against Russian threats. The U.S. remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
