According to a press release from the Pentagon on Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reiterated Washington’s steadfast support for Ukraine during a phone call with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
During the call, the two leaders also discussed the measures taken by allies to support Ukraine and the outcomes of the NATO summit held earlier this month in Washington.
Umerov provided Austin with the latest updates from Ukraine, stating that the Ukrainian military is bravely resisting Russian aggression.
This marks the first phone call between the defense ministers of the U.S. and Ukraine since President Biden announced his withdrawal from the presidential race and endorsed Vice President Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate.
At the NATO summit celebrating the alliance’s 75th anniversary earlier this month, Austin made it clear that while the U.S. has no intention to engage in the war in Ukraine, it will continue to support the country.
During a speech on July 10th, Austin asserted, “When Ukraine is fighting for its sovereignty and security, we stand with them.”
In his speech, Austin also commented on NATO’s developments following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He stated, “After Putin invaded Ukraine, we enhanced the forward defense posture of NATO, deploying more highly ready forces in eight countries, conducting larger exercises, increasing vigilance, and establishing multinational battlegroups.”
He added, “NATO is now stronger than ever before.”
According to Voice of America (VOA), on July 3rd, the Pentagon officially announced a new two-part aid package to Ukraine valued at just over $2.3 billion.
The first part of the aid includes missiles, rockets, and artillery from U.S. stocks, with a value of up to $150 million. The second part, worth about $2.2 billion, will be used to purchase more missiles for Ukraine’s Patriot air defense system and acquire additional National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS).
Before officially announcing this aid package, Austin hosted Umerov at the Pentagon.
During the meeting, Austin assured Umerov, “There is no doubt that Ukraine is not fighting alone. The United States will stand unwavering and our support, along with that of around 50 allies and partners, will continue to provide the critical capabilities Ukraine needs to repel today’s Russian aggression and deter tomorrow’s aggression.”