On November 27,  Minister of Defence of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak met with Ambassador of the United States to Ukraine Marie L. Yovanovitch and newly appointed U.S. Strategic Advisor Keith Dayton.

The Minister of Defense of Ukraine informed the foreign delegation about the current situation in the Azov-Black Sea basin connected with the illegal aggressive actions of the Russian Federation against the Ukrainian Navy’s warships in the Kerch Strait. Stepan Poltorak noted that yesterday the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved the Decree of the President of Ukraine on the imposition of martial law in separate regions for 30 days.

According to the Defence Minister, in the context of the current situation, a number of measures are being taken to increase the readiness of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to repel foreign aggression, including ensuring the preparation of all ministries and departments of Ukraine for possible developments. In addition, the issue of the creation of a Joint Center for Coordination of the activities of the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff is under consideration. This Center will inform the executive authorities and other departments in the part concerning the comprehensive provision of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

"The introduction of a military state is necessary as a preventive measure in the event of Russia conducting a full-scale land-based military operation against Ukraine. We must check the readiness to respond to any developments, "said Stepan Poltorak. " At the same time, according to the President of Ukraine, the rights and freedoms of citizens will not be limited and restriction on the work of the mass media will not be imposed."

Within the framework of the meeting, the parties discussed the implementation of the key projects of defence reform in Ukraine, in particular those carried out by the Defence Ministry in connection with the adoption of the Law of Ukraine "On National Security", the introduction of civilian control in the Ministry of Defense, enhancing transparency of procurement in order to prevent abuses in this area, the reform of military education, the defense review and reform of the Armed Forces of Ukraine