US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had a phone conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, on Monday, focusing on the latest situations in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
During the call, Austin assured that the United States, along with a coalition of approximately 50 allies and partners, remains steadfast in its commitment to support Ukraine in its struggle against Russian hostility, according to a statement from the Pentagon.
Both parties highlighted the critical importance of passing President Joe Biden’s bipartisan national security supplemental bill and vowed to keep the lines of communication open between them.
Umerov described his weekly discussions with Austin as “productive,” mentioning that he and Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander-in-Chief, briefed the US Secretary of Defense on the current state of affairs on the battlefield and explored key strategic directions.
The conversation also covered efforts to enhance the supply and capabilities of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
President Biden is currently advocating for the House Republicans to approve a $95.3 billion military aid package that would benefit Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, allocating $60.06 billion specifically for Ukraine.
Although the Senate passed the measure with a significant majority vote, it encounters resistance from some House Republicans, posing a challenge to its final approval.– Web Desk