US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin called his Ukrainian counterpart Oleksiy Reznikov by phone after a telephone conversation with the Russian defense minister. He reported about it in his Twitter.
"Talked again today with Alexei Reznikov to discuss the situation on the battlefield and the needs of Ukraine. I briefed him on my May 13 phone conversation with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and noted our unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and security," Lloyd Austin wrote.
I spoke again today to @oleksiireznikov to discuss the situation on the battlefield and Ukraine’s capability needs. I briefed him on my call May 13 call with Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu, and I reiterated our unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
Oleksiy Reznikov published a message almost similar in content, adding that he described the successful use of M777 howitzers by the Ukrainian military.
"Thanks to the U.S. in general and Lloyd Austin personally for the steadfast diplomatic and military support of Ukraine," he wrote.
Discussed with @SecDef the situation on the battlefield & military needs of . Told him how #UAarmy successfully uses M777. We also discussed his call with defmin. Grateful to in general & Lloyd Austin III personally for the unwavering diplomatic & military support of pic.twitter.com/4XaxmBQDYN
To recap, the May 13 conversation between Austin and Shoygu was their first communication since the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. According to the Russian side, it was held at the U.S. initiative.
