U.S. will continue international interaction to provide Ukraine with air defense - Pentagon

Defense Department Spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder said this at a briefing on Thursday, October 20, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"We know that these drones are from Iran," he said, commenting on whether the U.S. has evidence that would refute Iran's and Russia's objections in this regard.

Ryder also noted that the United States intends to intensify international cooperation to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities.

"The Secretary [Lloyd Austin] has spoken recently to the Ukrainian Minister of Defense, to our partners and our allies about what it is that we can continue to do to support Ukraine in areas like air defense. We will continue to have those conversations not only on air defense, but what other capabilities Ukrainian forces need in the days ahead," he said.

Earlier on Thursday, the White House accused Iran of direct involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine, as well as the killing of civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.