US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin during a telephone conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte focused on supporting Ukraine.
According to the Pentagon press service, during the conversation, Austin discussed the priorities of the United States in NATO and at the upcoming meeting of NATO defense ministers.
Austin noted the need to continue efforts to strengthen the deterrence and defense, support Ukraine and strengthen the transatlantic defense industry.
The interlocutors expressed the opinion that the efforts of NATO on the support of Ukraine create a “bridge” to “the future membership of Ukraine in NATO.”
Austin and Rutte also discussed the continued instability in the Middle East and expressed determination to continue to increase NATO potential in Iraq.