US, Ukraine defense chiefs discuss Kyiv's priority capability needs

WASHINGTON

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov on Friday discussed Ukraine's ongoing operations and priority capability needs.

In a phone call, Austin "congratulated the Ukrainian people as they prepare to celebrate Independence Day on (Saturday) August 24 and reaffirmed the enduring support of the United States to help Ukraine fight Russian aggression," Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said in a statement.

Austin also provided Umerov with an update on US security assistance to Ukraine, Ryder added.

The phone call came just after US President Joe Biden announced a new package of military aid for Ukraine.

The Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package, which has an estimated value of $125 million, will provide Ukraine with additional capabilities to meet its most urgent needs, including air defense capabilities, munitions for rocket systems and artillery, and anti-tank weapons.