Visit of U.S. Secretary of Defense can influence situation in Crimea and conflict zone in Donbas – Tuka

Deputy Minister for Temporarily Occupied Territories Heorhiy Tuka said this in comments to 112 Ukraina TV Channel.

According to Tuka, Mattis's visit to Ukraine is of a political nature, but we can expect from its results a progress in the settlement of the conflict in Donbas and in the issue of Crimea's return.

"I hope that this will lead to the strengthening of our Armed Forces, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, help the United States put pressure inside the country on the forces that are interested only in business interests and that lose due to the imposition of sanctions on Russia," he said.

Tuka noted that quick decisions on the Ukrainian issue after the meeting of Mattis with Poroshenko and Poltorak should not be expected, including in the provision of lethal weapons.

As reported, on Independence Day, August 24, President Petro Poroshenko will hold talks with U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis, who will arrive in Kyiv to participate in celebrations.

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