"I'm here to reaffirm our support for Ukraine, its struggle for freedom, territorial integrity and respect for its borders"

On Tuesday, August 11, Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk held a meeting with Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom Michael Fallon, who is staying in Kyiv on a working visit.

On behalf of the Ukrainian Government Arseniy Yatsenyuk expressed gratitude to the British Government and Prime Minister David Cameron for his support in military reform and strengthening. During the conversation the interlocutors discussed topical issues of reforming the national armed forces and the development of bilateral cooperation in this sector.

The talk also concerned escalation of the situation in Eastern Ukraine. Arseniy Yatsenyuk stressed that Russian-led terrorist forces had significantly increased attacks, in particular, only in the last 24 hours they have attacked 95 times. In addition to the shelling of defensive positions, the militants continue spreading terror among the civilians and deliberately intimidating international observers of the OSCE. "It is quite clear that Russia demonstrates neither the intention to fulfil the Minsk agreements nor to withdraw the troops. The situation is extremely difficult," emphasized the Prime Minister of Ukraine.

"We must act together to stop the Russian aggression against Ukraine. This is where we should direct our efforts and it should be our common objective," highlighted Arseniy Yatsenyuk.

Secretary for Defence Michael Fallon noted his visit to Ukraine is a demonstration of support for Ukraine as a friend and partner. "I'm here to reaffirm our support for Ukraine, its struggle for freedom, territorial integrity and respect for its borders".

According to the Secretary of Defence, terrorism promoted by Russia has appeared a rather difficult challenge for Europe and Ukraine. "The conflict has not settled into a frozen war: it is quite "red hot", many of your soldiers were killed after the signing of the peace accords, many wounded," urged the Secretary of the United Kingdom.

Michael Fallon confirmed the firm stance of Great Britain to continue supporting Ukraine and protect fundamental principles of international law and relations: "Britain took the lead in imposing punitive sanctions against Russia and provided weighty financial aid to ensure technical and humanitarian support to Ukraine."

Moreover, he announced about a decision of the British Government to step up training for the Ukrainian military. "I am staying in Ukraine as well to support you in the reforming process which is as important as thedefense issue, after all these efforts of the Government must be backed up by the defensive endeavours in the East", stressed the Secretary of Defence of Great Britain.

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