Umerov has first conversation with Pentagon chief, discusses Ukraine aid, next Ramstein summit

This was reported by the US Department of Defense.

"Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone today with Ukrainian Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov to congratulate him on his appointment and to reiterate the steadfast US support for Ukraine," the statement says. 

The Pentagon reportedly provided an update on US security assistance efforts. The ministers exchanged views on the priorities in supporting Ukraine on the battlefield and the long-term prospects.

Austin and Umerov also reviewed the agenda of the meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense, which will be held next week at Ramstein Air Base.

Some details on the Ramstein format meeting

Ramstein meeting or Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting is a series of diplomatic meetings of senior defense officials from several dozen countries to synchronize and accelerate the supply of military weapons to Ukraine to counter a full-scale Russian invasion and to discuss support for Ukraine after the war.

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, 14 meetings have already taken place.

Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that a new meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group is to be held offline on September 18.

The US Air Force in Europe clarified that the next 15th Ramstein meeting will be held offline on September 19.

What is known about Rustem Umerov

Rustem Umierov took office as Minister of Defense on September 6.

According to him, as head of the Defense Ministry, he will introduce NATO standards and digitalize military records, including the military registration and enlistment office.

On September 10, Umerov initiated the creation of a new position - military ombudsman.