Ukraine, U.S. in talks on new arms supplies - Klimkin

"We are in discussions about other pieces of defense equipment," Klimkin said in an interview with the Defense News magazine, declining to get specific.

Klimkin said the presence of Russian and Russian-backed forces in the Donbas "is pretty much constant," but the presence of U.S.-supplied arms has had an effect.

"It's an ongoing discussion, because Javelins were important psychologically. We have noticed that the Russians [withdrew] their tanks deeper into the occupied area … basically fearing symbolically, psychologically and physically that such [anti-tank] weapons can be used in the case of Russian provocation," the minister said.

Ukraine has been moving to build up its defense capabilities in the city of Azov, Klimkin said, as Russia attempts a "creeping annexation" of the sea and delays Ukrainian ships sailing on it, to intimidate and disrupt trade.

"We are very decisive on defending our interests in the Azov Sea, and we can't let the Russians take control of the whole Azov Sea," he said.

Klimkin also added that a modern Ukraine is "prepared for effective provocations."

op