РНБОУ National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine

Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov met with US Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Robert Karem

During the meeting, the interlocutors discussed the issues of Russian aggression, which poses a threat to the security not only of our state, but of the whole world. "The escalation in Syria is a clear proof of this", - Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine said adding that in the east of Ukraine, despite the announcement of a further ceasefire, "in fact, there is not a single day without shellings of our positions".

In this context, the need to extend sanctions against the Russian Federation was discussed. Mr. Turchynov said that next week, by the order of President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, a meeting of the NSDC of Ukraine will be held, where "the sanctions imposed recently by the US and European countries against the Russian Federation" will also be approved. "It is crucial to come up with a single front on this issue, the offensive position can give a specific result", - he stressed.

In addition, the interlocutors emphasized the negative consequences of the Russian project "North Stream-2" for the security of Ukraine and Europe in general.

Also during the meeting, the parties considered the issues of intensifying military-technical cooperation, reform of the security and defense sector of Ukraine, which "is taking place at a rapid pace despite the aggression of the Russian Federation" as well as the intensifying cooperation in countering Russian informational and cybernetic aggression.

According to Mr. Turchynov, the adoption of the law on national security of Ukraine will become the legal basis for bringing the security and defense sector of our country in line with NATO standards and building a comprehensive defense system, as in European countries.

In his turn, Mr. Karem emphasized that the US "appreciates the success observed in reforming of the security and defense sector of Ukraine".

"We realize that Ukraine is an outpost of security in Europe, we support and are ready to further support your state on its path of reform and development", - Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs said.