Austin met with Umerov: what they talked about

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin met with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov at the Pentagon, the parties discussed support for Ukraine, strategic goals and the plan of operations of Ukraine for 2024, the Ministries of Defense of Ukraine and the United States reported, UNN writes.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met (December 6 - ed.) with Ukrainian Defense Minister Umerov at the Pentagon to reaffirm the US support for Ukraine,

Details

Pentagon Chief Austin reportedly emphasized the ongoing efforts of the US Department of Defense to meet Ukraine's immediate needs, including through the provision of air defense, artillery, and anti-tank weapons as part of the package announced on December 6.

The ministers reportedly discussed the outcome of the U.S.-Ukraine Defense Industrial Base Conference held earlier in the day, emphasizing the important role that U.S. industry plays in supporting Ukraine's armed forces now and in the future.

Austin and Umerov also discussed ongoing efforts to coordinate support from the approximately 50 allies and partners who continue to provide Ukraine with the capabilities it needs to repel Russian aggression, the Pentagon said.

According to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, Umerov thanked his American counterpart for the new aid package, as well as for his leadership in organizing the US-Ukraine Defense Industries Development Conference in Washington.

The two sides discussed Ukraine's strategic goals and operations plan for 2024,

Separately, the ministers discussed the development of joint defense cooperation and attracting investment in the military-industrial complex.

"We had an open, honest dialogue between the Ukrainian and American governments and companies about the localization of production in Ukraine, the current needs and capabilities of our countries, opportunities for cooperation, investment and construction of joint ventures," said the Ukrainian Defense Minister.

"Ukrainian weapons, equipment and technologies should take the place of Russians in the arms market. To do this, we need a powerful defense coalition to join forces in the fight against Russian terror. Increasing the capacity of arms and equipment production in Ukraine is also a matter of Ukrainian and national interests," Umerov emphasized.

"In addition, during the meeting, the parties discussed the continuation of US support for Ukraine in 2024. We hope for a positive decision in this regard," the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said.

A separate focus, as noted, is to strengthen air defense. This is especially important in winter.

Among other topics, the defense ministers of Ukraine and the United States also discussed the intensification of the construction of fortifications. Umerov briefed Austin on the latest news in this area.

Also during the meeting, Umerov noted that NATO is a separate priority for the next year.

"Our goal and task is to bring the Defense Forces in line with the principles and standards of the Alliance," the Ukrainian Defense Minister said.

To recap,

the White House announced the strengthening of cooperation between the US and Ukraine in arms production.