Photo: https://www.facebook.com/rustemumerov.ua

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov discussed Ukraine's critical defense needs and further strengthening of Ukrainian defense capabilities in a telephone conversation with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

"Held a productive weekly call with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. I provided Secretary with an update on the latest battlefield developments. We discussed Ukraine’s critical defense needs and explored ways to further strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities," Umerov wrote on X.