The US Department of Defense has reported that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has held a telephone conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umierov.

The Pentagon's statement said the parties had discussed the latest information on the situation in Ukraine and security assistance priorities.

Meanwhile, Austin also provided an update on the progress in creating a capability coalition within the Ukraine Defence Contact Group and planning the group's next meetings.

"The two leaders pledged to remain in close contact," the message stated.

Earlier, the White House said it believes that it has made progress during negotiations with Republicans in the US Senate to strengthen measures against migration on the southern border, which will most likely allow them to approve a package of additional funding for Ukraine in January.

On 20 December, the leaders of both parties said the US Senate would not be able to vote on a package to provide aid for Ukraine and strengthen US border security until early next year, although negotiators from both parties are still working on it.

Any deal reached in the Senate, which Democrats control by a 51-49 majority, would also need to win the approval of the Republican-controlled US House of Representatives (221-213 majority).