Zelensky meets Pentagon chief

During the meeting, the parties paid special attention to the issue of further deepening practical cooperation between Ukraine and the United States in the field of security and defense in accordance with the agreements reached during the visit of the President of Ukraine to the United States….

“The United States remains Ukraine’s key partner in security and defense,” Volodymyr Zelensky said, expressing gratitude to the United States for the logistical assistance in enhancing the capabilities of Ukraine’s Armed Forces to counter Russian aggression.

Volodymyr Zelensky and Lloyd Austin exchanged views on the security situation in eastern Ukraine, as well as in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

The interlocutors discussed topical issues of Ukraine’s cooperation with NATO and further support from the United States in the realization of our country’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

The United States Secretary of Defense was briefed on steps taken to reform Ukraine’s security and defense sector, including the domestic defense industry, in line with NATO standards, in order to meet as soon as possible the criteria for NATO membership.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine

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U.S. Supports Defense Reform In Ukraine To Reach NATO Membership Criteria

“We remain steadfast in supporting Ukraine’s defense reform, which will help achieve the criteria for full NATO membership,” [Austin] said.

Austin noted that since 2014, the United States has allocated more than USD 2.5 billion for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, to ensure territorial integrity and protect territorial waters.

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Besides, he said that the Black Sea region is very important for the United States.

“Russia is the stone that hinders peaceful regulation,” Austin said.

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USA to support defense reform in Ukraine until NATO membership criteria met – Secretary of Defense

Austin said at a briefing after the talks with Ukrainian Defense Minister Andriy Taran in Kyiv on Tuesday that following the NATO summit in June 2014, NATO allies pledged support for Ukraine in its intentions to become a full member of NATO. The United States remains unwavering in support of Ukraine’s defense reform, which will help achieve the criteria for full NATO membership.

He said that during the visit, he had effective negotiations with Taran on a framework agreement signed in Washington in August 2021. “This agreement provides us with a strategic framework for a defense partnership, and we are going to strengthen our strategic partnership,” the head of the Ukrainian defense department said.