Attributed to Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone today with Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov to discuss the latest on the situation on the ground in Ukraine and security assistance priorities. Secretary Austin also provided an update on the progress of the capability coalitions established under the framework of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) and planning for future UDCG meetings.

The two leaders pledged to remain in close contact.