Ukraine's defence minister, Pentagon chief discuss frontline situation, US aid

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin and Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov held a telephone conversation to discuss battlefield dynamics and military assistance to Ukraine. 

The sides discussed the dynamics of hostilities and US security assistance to Ukraine, a statement by the US Department of Defense says, Caliber.Az reports.

Umerov and Austin discussed the next steps in their ongoing military collaboration, including the upcoming meeting of the Ramstein Contact Group, scheduled for early January. According to Umerov, this meeting will be a crucial platform to strengthen Ukraine's defence capabilities.

The United States remains Ukraine’s largest military supporter, having delivered a wide range of weapons and equipment, including missile systems, combat vehicles, artillery, ammunition, and missiles.

With the upcoming change in US leadership, concerns have arisen over the potential shift in aid to Ukraine. Republican Donald Trump is set to replace Democrat Joe Biden as president next month, raising questions about the future of US support for Ukraine.

In the meantime, the Biden administration is preparing a $1.2 billion military aid package for Ukraine, which will use the remaining funds allocated for purchasing new weapons.

By Vafa Guliyeva