Ukraine taking important steps toward joining NATO - defense minister
KYIV. Feb 14 (Interfax) - Ukraine is taking important steps toward Euro-Atlantic integration, Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak said.
He met with United Kingdom Secretary of State for Defense Gavin Williamson at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on Thursday, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said in a statement on its website.
The parties exchanged opinions concerning joint security, Poltorak said. "In addition, we discussed fundamental issues concerning the defense reform of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, which is being pursued with NATO's support," he said.
"Ukraine needs to move ahead, and we are taking important steps to become a full member of the alliance," he said.
Williamson said the UK will offer assistance to Ukraine, maintain dialogue with it, and encourage all of its allies to provide tangible aid to Kyiv.