President of Ukraine held a phone conversation with the Vice President of the United States

President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko held a phone conversation with Vice President of the United States Michael Pence.

The Head of State informed the U.S. Vice President of the current situation in the Donbas and the ongoing provocations on the part of Russia-controlled militants who do not stop violating the announced complete ceasefire regime.

In this regard, Petro Poroshenko underlined the importance of further pressure on Russia for ensuring proper implementation of the security aspects of the Minsk agreements. He  expressed gratitude for the recent decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to roll over respective sanctions against Russia for a year.

Vice President Pence emphasized the importance of preserving sanctions against Russia until full implementation of the Minsk agreements and return of Crimea to Ukraine.

As part of the discussion on further steps for a peaceful settlement of the situation in the Donbas, the prospects for deploying an effective United Nations peacekeeping mission were also considered.

President Poroshenko expressed gratitude to the United States for consistently supporting Ukraine in the implementation of the large-scale internal reforms, as well as for the U.S. military assistance, which contributes to strengthening the country's defense capability.

The Head of State emphasized that the provision of U.S. defensive weapons to Ukraine was an important positive signal for other partners of our country and a clear warning for the Russian aggressor.

Vice President Michael Pence stressed that USA would keep supporting Ukraine in its fight for territorial integrity and sovereignty. He also noted Ukraine’s progress in the implementation of reforms, particularly establishment of the Anticorruption Court.

Petro Poroshenko and Michael Pence noted the active development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation, in particular the launch of a large-scale project with General Electric for the purchase of American locomotives, as well as the supply of American coal to Ukraine.

The interlocutors also discussed the schedule of the future bilateral contacts at the highest level to be held this year, which marks the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the Ukrainian-American strategic partnership.

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