US, Ukrainian defense chiefs discuss latest developments in Ukraine war

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov discussed the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war in a phone call Monday.

"Secretary Austin reiterated that the United States and our coalition of some 50 Allies and partners will continue to support Ukraine in its ongoing fight against Russian aggression," the Pentagon said in a statement.

They agreed on the urgent need to pass President Joe Biden's bipartisan national security supplemental bill and pledged to remain in close contact, it added.

Umerov said he had a "productive weekly" call with Austin.

"Together with the Commander-in-Chief, Colonel-General (Oleksandr) Syrskyi informed the Secretary of Defense on the current battlefield situation and discussed the developments on the most important directions,” he said on X.

"Working together on the supply of the Ukrainian Defense Forces and growing the capabilities of the Ukrainian Army.”

Biden is urging House Republicans to take up a $95.3 billion military aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, with $60.06 billion reserved for Kyiv.

The measure passed the Senate in a 70-29 vote after a hardline group of Republicans tried to block it. But the bill faces Republican opposition in the House.