U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held a phone conversation with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to discuss international security and the situation in Ukraine, and emphasized the importance of maintaining lines of communication amid the war in Ukraine, according to a statement from the Pentagon.
In a separate phone call with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov, Austin "(reiterated) the unwavering U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine's ability to counter Russia's aggression."
"Austin also underscored the international community's continued support in building Ukraine's enduring strength and safeguarding Ukraine's ability to defend itself in the future, as demonstrated by the security assistance commitments made by allies and partners at the most recent Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting on October 12," according to the statement.