Minister of Defense of Ukraine held a meeting with the representatives of the US Congress

“Comprehensive support for our country and its Armed Forces by the United States of America has had a significant impact on the situation in Ukraine over the past five years. All US cooperation programs and assistance provided by the US Government are very valuable to us. This is a strong message that we are not alone.”

Minister of Defense of Ukraine Andrii Zagorodniuk announced during his meeting with the US Congress delegation headed by the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee of the Armed Services Committee of the House of Representatives John Garamendi. The meeting was also attended by the members of the US House of Representatives Vicky Hartzler, Jennifer Aydin González Colón, David Wayne Loebsack, Thomas Charles O’Halleran, John Mondy Shimkus and Chargé d’Affaires of the United States in Ukraine William B. Taylor.

Andrii Zagorodniuk expressed words of gratitude to the US for the consistent support of Ukraine and stressed the importance of further cooperation with the US Congress.

Minister of Defense of Ukraine acquainted foreign guests with priority lines of efforts of the Government and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine directed to strengthening the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He also stressed that the Euro-Atlantic course is unchanged.

Both sides considered the possibility of expanding the military-technical cooperation between the two countries while discussing the priority areas of assistance to Ukraine by the United States' Government.

Noting the importance of US technical assistance provided to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Andrii Zagorodniuk welcomed the decision of the US Department of State on the readiness to implement a project on the sale of modern lethal weapons within the framework of the program “Foreign Military Sales” and also expressed resolve of the Ukrainian defense agency to procure the necessary equipment and assets which are made in the USA.

The fight against corruption has also become a key topic of the discussion. Andrii Zagorodniuk informed the US delegation about the main efforts in combating corruption, especially in the procurement sphere, emphasizing the clear position of the new Government on zero tolerance for corruption.

Talking about advisory assistance, Andrii Zagorodniuk noted the importance of involving the US advisors in the reforming process of the Defense Ministry and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Minister of Defense emphasized the uniqueness of the experience gained by Ukraine during combat actions and while countering current hybrid threats. Andrii Zagorodniuk also stressed the readiness of the Ukrainian side to deepen the exchange of experience with American counterparts.