Ukrainian PM, U.S. defense secretary discuss military support for Kiev

KIEV, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said Wednesday he discussed military support for his country with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

"We discussed in detail the urgent needs of Ukraine for the successful conduct of another counteroffensive operation to liberate Ukrainian lands," Shmyhal, who is on a visit to the United States, wrote in a Telegram post.

In particular, Ukraine needs air defense, heavy artillery and equipment, mortars and ammunition for them, Shmyhal said.

Ukraine is also counting on the United States to provide it with longer-range missiles, he added.

Earlier in the day, Shmyhal arrived in the United States for a visit to discuss military, financial, and sanctions support for Ukraine, as well as investment and assistance for reconstruction.