Ukrainian, Lithuanian defense ministers discuss development of Ukrainian Armed Forces

"Today, we are adjusting forces and means due to the change in the format of the operation. The new format [the Joint Forces Operation] gives us an opportunity to build the management of all the structures involved in it and to increase the efficiency of our actions," he said. 

He noted that the political and diplomatic way of solving the situation in Donetsk and Luhansk regions is a priority and that an option could be the deployment of a peacekeeping force in accordance with all international norms and rules.

"There must be an argument in any negotiations. Our argument is a strong professional army. We are now working hard to build our infrastructure and develop training centers in accordance with NATO standards," Poltorak said.

Karoblis, in turn, welcomed the reforms being conducted in the Ukrainian Armed Forces and noted the importance of adopting the law on national security.

"I am very pleased with the state of our bilateral cooperation and impressed with your reforms. We see good results, progress in reform, including the development of the sergeant corps, the creation of Special Operations Forces, and the creation of military police," he said.

The defense ministers agreed to continue and develop cooperation and noted the success of the implementation of all previous joint projects.

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