US Defense Secretary Congratulates New Ukrainian Defense Minister, Discusses Ongoing Support
In a recent development, US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III reached out to the newly appointed Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov via telephone on September 11. The conversation revolved around Umerov’s new role and the continuous support the US plans to provide to Ukraine as it combats the Russian offensive.
During a media briefing, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig General Pat Ryder shared details about the call. Secretary Austin conveyed his congratulations to Minister Umerov on his new position and reiterated the unwavering support of the United States for Ukraine’s immediate battlefield needs as well as its long-term capability requirements.
One of the crucial aspects discussed during the conversation was the upcoming meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contract Group (UDCG), which is scheduled to take place on September 19 at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Secretary Austin will once again host the meeting and intends to meet Minister Umerov in person there.
The UDCG brings together nearly 50 nations to address Ukraine’s most urgent battlefield needs and long-term defense requirements. The first meeting of this group took place in April 2022, precisely two months after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. At that meeting, Secretary Austin announced plans to hold monthly working group meetings to enhance coordination and assistance.
Last year, Secretary Austin described the contract group as a platform for countries with goodwill to intensify efforts, coordinate assistance, and focus on prevailing in the current conflicts and those that may arise in the future. Since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the United States has committed over $43.7 billion in defense and military support through both the Presidential drawdown authority and the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
Under the President’s drawdown authority, warfighting equipment is directly withdrawn from US military stocks. On the other hand, the USAI involves contracting with the industry to manufacture new weapon systems that are subsequently sent overseas. The most recent tranche of security assistance to Ukraine amounted to approximately $600 million and included additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, 105mm Artillery rounds, mine clearing equipment, electronic warfare, and counter-electronic warfare equipment.
This recent conversation between US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III and Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov highlights the strong commitment of the United States to supporting Ukraine in its fight against the Russian offensive. With the upcoming UDCG meeting, both nations will have an opportunity to discuss and address Ukraine’s immediate and long-term defense requirements further. The continuous support provided by the US plays a critical role in empowering Ukraine to defend itself effectively and maintain its security.
