President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called the meeting with Defense Minister Lloyd Austin productive.

“It was a very productive conversation, and it is important that it took place on the eve of the new meeting in the Ramstein format. Of course, we discussed the situation on the battlefield and its prospects – how we can enhance both our defense and our advancement,” Zelenskyy said in his video address on Monday.

“There is a new defense package for our country from the United States. I am grateful for it. In particular, there will be more artillery – shells that are needed right now,” Zelenskyy noted.

According to him, “we also discussed Ukraine's actions in the Black Sea and the protection of our export corridor. Freedom of navigation is a fundamental value for the entire world.”

“And Ukraine has proven here in the Black Sea that we are capable of driving the aggressor out of the water area that it wanted so badly to make dead. I am grateful to all partners who are helping us to ensure the real restoration of international law on our land and in our sea,” the President of Ukraine stated.