Canadian, U.S. defense ministers discuss support for Ukraine

Blair reported this on his Twitter account, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"The United States is our closest friend and ally – and today, I spoke with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III. We discussed our work to modernize NORAD, support Ukraine, stand with our NATO allies, and promote a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific," the statement said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reshuffled his government last week, replacing the minister of national defense. Blair earlier headed the Ministry of Public Safety.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is a combined organization of the United States and Canada that provides aerospace warning, air sovereignty, and protection for Canada and the continental United States.