Oleksii Reznikov discussed security situation in region with delegation of representatives of European Parliament.

Today on February 1, Minister of Defence of Ukraine Oleksii Reznikov met a delegation of representatives of the European Parliament led by the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr David McAllister, and the Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence, Ms Nathalie Loiseau as a part of their visit to Ukraine.

During the meeting, several issues were discussed, including the security situation in the region and further prospects for Ukraine’s co-operation with the EU in the defence and military spheres.

Oleksii Reznikov thanked the representatives of the states of the European Union for their unfailing support to Ukraine and their assistance in containing the armed aggression of the Russian Federation, for condemning the occupation of the territories of Ukraine (parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions and Crimea and Sevastopol) and assistance in implementation of the defence reform tasks. The Minister of Defence of Ukraine noted that relations with the European Union in security and defence spheres are significant to the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

‘I want to assure you that despite the challenges and threats, our values remain, our plans remain, they are set forth in the Constitution of Ukraine. That includes European integration. That is our priority. That is also what we are doing at the Ministry of Defence. I am very grateful that we are receiving considerable support from you, including the support in confronting the armed aggression of the Russian Federation. I fully understand your mission, your capabilities, and I repeat that we have high hopes for your continued support,’ - the Minister of Defence of Ukraine noted.

The Minister of Defence of Ukraine stressed that the Defence Ministry actively supports and expands dialogue with the EU in all directions and at all levels, in particular within the framework of the Common Security and Defence Policy activities of the EU and is ready to co-operate with the EU in the format of the Defence Summit.

‘We like developing the idea of a Defence Summit very much, which is part of the Eastern Partnership project. Therefore, as the Ministrer of Defence, I am pleased to participate in this event,’ - Oleksii Reznikov stressed.

At the end of the meeting, Mr David McAllister and Ms Nathalie Loiseau expressed their solidarity with the Ukrainian people on behalf of all members of the delegation of the European Parliament. Furthermore, they pledged their continued support to our state.