Ukraine seeks rapid implementation of all reforms on its way to EU - Rada speaker

MOSCOW. July 13 (Interfax) - Ukraine seeks the rapid implementation of all necessary reforms on its way to the full-fledged membership in the European Union, Verkhovna Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanshuk said.

"As it received the status of a EU candidate, Ukraine plans to rapidly implement every necessary reform it is asked to accomplish by our allies, not just to tick them as fulfilled but to make the life in Ukraine better," Stefanchuk said at a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink on Tuesday.

Stefanchuk thanked the United States for its unprecedented support for Ukraine. He noted the adoption of the bill on $40.1-billion financial assistance to Ukraine, the lend-lease bill that serves as "a great prerequisite for changing the situation" in Ukraine, and the U.S. president's approval of additional assistance to enhance the defense capacities of Ukraine.

"This is an investment made exclusively in the security of democratic values and the security of other countries. So, I would like to thank the United States," Stefanchuk said.