Zelensky held an important meeting with US Defense Minister Lloyd Austin. During the conversation, they discussed the current defense needs of Ukraine and the preparation of a bilateral security agreement.
This was reported by the press service of the head of state. A short video was also published on the official social networks.
It is noted that the parties met on the sidelines of the "Shangri-La Dialogue" Asian Security Summit, where assistance to Ukraine in the field of security was one of the key issues.
With Austin, the president talked about the needs of Ukraine's defense, to which aid from the United States is directed, in particular for training and equipping new brigades. He thanked the head of the Pentagon for active work on strengthening the Ukrainian air defense system.
"This is the most important track now for protecting the lives of Ukrainians, our cities, communities and civil infrastructure. This is very important," he said.
The interlocutors also paid attention to the F-16 coalition, in particular, the necessary joint efforts to accelerate the delivery of fighters. Separately, Zelensky emphasized the critical importance of the military aid package approved by Congress.
"We discussed the key issues - the defense needs of our country, the strengthening of the Ukrainian air defense system, the F-16 coalition, the preparation of a bilateral security agreement," the message states.
Speaking with Austin, the Ukrainian leader thanked US President Joe Biden for making an important decision regarding strikes by US weapons on Russian territory. He emphasized that this is important for defense and for effectively countering Russian attempts to expand the combat zone.
"We appreciate the vital defense and political support of Ukraine from the United States of America," the president added.
