WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2017 — Defense Secretary Jim Mattis
pledged continued U.S. support to build the capacity of Ukraine's forces and
applauded Ukraine's commitment to modernizing its defense sector according to
NATO standards in meetings with two of the country's top leaders yesterday in
Ukraine's capital of Kyiv, chief Pentagon spokesperson Dana W. White said.
Mattis met with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and
later with Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak as part of an overseas
trip. This was his first official meeting with Poltorak, White said in a
statement summarizing the meetings.
Steadfast Partnership
In both discussions, White said, the leaders emphasized the
steadfast partnership between the two countries.
"The leaders also discussed the strategic challenges
associated with Russian aggression and the need for Russia to adhere to its
commitments under the Minsk agreements, including an immediate ceasefire,
withdrawal of heavy weapons, and unfettered access for security monitors in
eastern Ukraine," she added.
The secretary also attended a military parade commemorating
Ukraine's Independence Day alongside Poroshenko and eight defense ministers
from allied and partner nations, White said.
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