US, Ukrainian DMs discuss battlefield needs

WASHINGTON, May 9 (KUNA) -- US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discussed over the phone Monday the battlefield situation with Ukraine's Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov A readout by Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said Secretary Austin spoke with Minister Reznikov to discuss Ukraine's evolving battlefield needs. Secretary Austin highlighted the President's May 6 announcement of USD 150 million in Presidential Drawdown Authority to provide Ukraine's Armed Forces with artillery, counter-artillery radars, and electronic jamming equipment. Minister Reznikov shared his assessment of the situation on the ground in eastern Ukraine.
Secretary Austin emphasized "our" enduring commitment to bolster Ukraine's capacity to counter Russian aggression and updated Minister Reznikov on ongoing coordination with Allies and partners on security assistance efforts. (end) asj.hb