Ukraine, United States agree on defensive assistance for protection in the air and at sea
"Yes, we discussed it [the issue of additional assistance to Ukraine]. We first analyzed the threats in more detail, and then discussed our additional needs and opportunities to address them," Reznikov said on Friday following the main meetings during his visit, answering questions from Ukrinform.
As the minister explained, a professional assessment of Ukraine's real defense needs is primarily conducted at the expert level, then it is agreed upon with the military, and then specific requests and proposals are formed.
"That is, the key idea of the relations is not to take what they are ready to give us, but to take what we really need," the defense minister said.
The official noted that for reasons of protection of state interests he would not disclose the details, but said: "We need to protect the air, we need to protect the sea."
Reznikov also confirmed that the United States and Ukraine shared the assessment of the risks and threats in the region coming from Russia.
“So, it was very important for me not to discuss a potential expression of another ‘deep concern’, we should discuss specific actions, specific things, and we talked about that [with US officials] yesterday,” the minister stressed.
According to him, General Valeriy Zaluzhny, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and General Mark Milley, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, had a direct conversation. "And this communication will now be held on a systemic basis," Reznikov stressed.
As reported, Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov is on a visit to the United States. He already held meetings at the U.S. Congress, held talks with the U.S. Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon, senior officials of the U.S. Department of State, and other officials.
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