Attributed to Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Mariusz Błaszczak to discuss the current security situation along NATO's Eastern Flank and joint efforts to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities. Secretary Austin praised Poland's leadership in providing support to Ukraine, and the two leaders agreed to continue to work closely together to enhance Alliance deterrence and defense.