Ukraine, US agree on practical steps for defense cooperation

“During today's talks, we discussed the procedure for the practical implementation of the agreements reached, as well as the prospects for our cooperation. In particular, we agreed to develop a roadmap for the implementation of the provisions of the Framework Agreement on the Strategic Foundations of the Defense Partnership signed in Washington. We considered specific, the most critical projects on the development of the fundamental capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which are important for the defense of our country on land, in the air, at sea, and in cyberspace. The practical implementation of these projects will enable the Armed Forces of Ukraine to effectively counter existing and potential threats in the field of defense, establish close cooperation with the United States in the spirit of strategic partnership, especially in maintaining regional stability and peace, and will contribute to achieving full-fledged NATO membership,” Defense Minister of Ukraine Andriy Taran said following the talks with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

It will be possible to see the real results of the implementation of the agreements reached between the governments of Ukraine and the United States already next year, Taran added.

He also stressed that the visit of the U.S. Secretary of Defense to Ukraine could be called a great event without exaggeration as a continuation of the dialogue launched during the visit of President Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington in August this year when a new stage of strategic defense partnership between Ukraine and the US was established.

The defense minister thanked the U.S. Government for its comprehensive support to Ukraine in counteracting the hybrid aggression of the Russian Federation, for assistance in implementing the tasks of defense reform, and promoting the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of our country.

In early September, a number of important documents were signed during President Volodymyr Zelensky's working visit to the United States, including a Memorandum of Understanding between the governments of Ukraine and the United States on commercial cooperation. The State Concern Ukroboronprom signed three deals totaling $2.5 billion on the cooperation with U.S. defense companies. In addition, Minister of Health Viktor Liashko signed cooperation agreements with world market leaders, in particular, General Electric, Medtronic, and MSD.

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