Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine opened the VIII Security Forum in Washington, D.C., which was held at the Library of Congress.

Pavlo Klimkin thanked the U.S. Congress for bipartisan support of Ukraine, which is of great significance for the security of Ukraine and the world. He underlined the practical value of American assistance aimed at strengthening defense capabilities of Ukraine. Namely, the Minister noted the productive training of Ukrainian military by U.S. instructors. He emphasized that Ukraine’s Armed Forces have proven their combat effectiveness and readiness to deter Russian aggression, which was once again shown during recent escalation due to the actions of Russian-terrorist forces in Avdiivka.

Pavlo Klimkin also emphasized that peace in Donbas could be renewed only when Russia fulfils its obligations under Minsk Agreements. “First and foremost, this concerns the ceasefire, access of international observers who would have the possibility to carry out monitoring and verification, withdrawal of arms and release of hostages.” The Minister also emphasized the need to de-occupy Crimea and restore territorial integrity of Ukraine.