KYIV. Oct 19 (Interfax) - Ukrainian Defense Minister Andriy Taran and United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin have discussed the development of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' capability.
"We've agreed to work out a roadmap for implementing the provisions of the framework agreement on the strategic foundations of our defense cooperation, which was signed in Washington. We have considered [...] the most critical projects for the development of the fundamental capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces [...] important for ensuring our state's defense on the ground, in the air, at sea, and also in cyberspace," Taran said at a press briefing following negotiations with Austin in Kyiv on Tuesday.
The implementation of these projects will enable the Ukrainian Armed Forces to efficiently oppose current and potential threats in the field of defense, arrange close interaction with the U.S. in the spirit of strategic partnership, especially on aspects of support for regional stability and peace, and help Ukraine achieve full compliance with NATO membership criteria, he said.
"As concerns the aforementioned tracks, we have ambitious goals. I am sure we'll see real results from the implementation of the agreements reached," Taran said.
The Ukrainian defense minister also said that he and Austin discussed interaction between Ukraine and the U.S. to enhance security in the Black Sea region, including measures to oppose "Russia's aggressive policy, which poses a danger to navigation and economic activities and provokes new conflicts."