РНБОУ National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine

Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine Oleksiy Danilov met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the UK to Ukraine Melinda Simmons

Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Oleksiy Danilov held a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom to Ukraine Melinda Simmons at her request.

During the meeting, the parties discussed issues of bilateral cooperation, in particular in the field of information security, combating hybrid threats and defense reform. Particular attention was paid to the decision of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine on the abolition of e-declaration.

Mr. Danilov stressed the success of the recent visit of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the United Kingdom.

Touching upon the issue of the development of the effective system for counteracting hybrid threats, the NSDC Secretary emphasized that the NSDC Staff has prepared a draft Presidential decree to establish a separate center for combating hybrid threats. “We monitor all the processes taking place in the infospace around the clock and realize that building a sustainable system for countering hybrid threats and establishing a relevant structure is extremely urgent”, - he said.

Mr. Danilov also noticed that the new National Security Strategy of Ukraine provides for the development of 14 sectorial strategies, including information security strategy. The NSDC Secretary expressed confidence in the need and importance of engaging British partners in the development of this strategy. “This is a big joint work, because our opponent – Russia – acts similarly in other countries, and we should unite efforts with our partners”, - Mr. Danilov underscored.

Mr. Danilov stressed that reforming the security and defense sector is Ukraine’s priority. “Our army must use IT components, high-precision weapons, be trained and motivated troops”, - he said expressing his gratitude to the British side for its comprehensive assistance.

In her turn, Ms. Simmons assured of the lasting support of Ukraine on its path of reforms. Ms. Ambassador expressed the readiness of the United Kingdom, which is Ukraine’s key partner in the development of a system for combating hybrid threats, to further provide our country with the necessary assistance and support.

Ms. Simmons also expressed confidence in the importance of intensifying measures in the framework of defense reform at the institutional and operational levels.