5 Apr 2018 21:06

Ukrainian armed forces striving to comply with NATO standards - Defense Minister Poltorak

KYIV. April 5 (Interfax) - Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak has told a delegation of the United States Senate led by Sen. Robert Portman about Ukraine's achievements in pursuing a defense reform and about a bill on national security passed by the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada in the first reading.

"We have worked on this reform for nearly two years. In the course of the reform, we have set ourselves a very substantial goal; namely to achieve NATO standards and to build up our combat capabilities. The most vivid example of our productive work is that the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada passed a bill on Ukraine's national security in the first reading today," the ministry website quoted Poltorak as saying.

The legislation opens the path toward more efficient interaction with NATO, he said.

He also said Ukraine needs a strong army.

After speaking with Ukrainian servicemen, Portman mentioned their great professionalism.

The parties also discussed the development of cooperation between Ukraine and the U.S., ways to expand it, and the events in eastern Ukraine.