Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov spoke by phone with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and discussed the priorities of military assistance to Ukraine, the Pentagon said on its website on Saturday, November 25.

"Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone today with Ukrainian Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov to discuss the latest on the situation on the ground. Secretary Austin condemned Russia's continued barrage of missile and Unmanned Aerial System attacks on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure," according to the statement.

The ministers also discussed "security assistance priorities, as Ukraine continues to fight Russian aggression."

It is noted that both leaders pledged to remain in close contact.

In turn, Umerov said he discussed with his U.S. counterpart the issues of strengthening the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

"We discussed current security assistance priorities and common steps to strengthen the capabilities of the Ukrainian army. I also noted the massive Russian drone attack on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure on Holodomor Remembrance Day. I am grateful to Minister Austin for his unwavering support," Umerov said on Facebook on Sunday, November 26.