Ukrainian and US Defense Ministers Discuss Situation on the Front Lines

Kyiv, Ukraine

February 24, 2023

The Ukrainian Defense Minister, Oleksii Reznikov, and the US Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, had a phone conversation today to discuss the current situation on the front lines in Ukraine.

Reznikov briefed Austin on the latest developments in the fighting, including the ongoing Russian offensive in the Donbas region. Austin reaffirmed the US commitment to providing Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression.

Reznikov: Ukraine Will Continue to Fight for Its Freedom

"Ukraine will continue to fight for its freedom and independence," Reznikov said in a statement after the call. "We are grateful for the support of the United States and our other allies."

Austin: US Will Continue to Support Ukraine

"The United States stands with Ukraine in its fight for freedom," Austin said. "We will continue to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression."

The US and Ukraine Have a Strong Partnership

The United States and Ukraine have a strong partnership, and the two countries have been working together closely to counter Russian aggression. The US has provided Ukraine with billions of dollars in military aid, and the two countries have been conducting joint military exercises.

The War in Ukraine Continues to Take a Heavy Toll

The war in Ukraine continues to take a heavy toll on both sides. Thousands of people have been killed, and millions have been displaced from their homes. The war has also caused widespread damage to Ukraine's infrastructure.

The International Community Must Continue to Support Ukraine

The international community must continue to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom. The war in Ukraine is not just a war between two countries; it is a war between democracy and authoritarianism. If Russia is allowed to succeed in Ukraine, it will be a major blow to democracy around the world.