Zelensky, British defense secretary meet in Kyiv

That’s according to the presidential press service, Ukrinform reports.

Zelensky thanked Ben Wallace for Britain's unwavering support for the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. He welcomed the signing of the Ukrainian-British bilateral Framework Agreement on official credit support for the development of the capabilities of the Ukrainian Naval Fleet.

"The United Kingdom has become our key partner in building up the Ukrainian Fleet. I expect that future security projects planned under the agreement will be effectively implemented," the Ukrainian president stressed.

The president briefed the British defense secretary on the challenges facing Ukraine in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

The interlocutors exchanged views on the international steps needed to restore safe navigation in the region and the importance of further deepening bilateral cooperation in the field of security and defense.

Volodymyr Zelensky stressed the need to take consistent steps to ensure the implementation of Ukraine's aspirations to gain full membership in NATO in the near future.

During the meeting, the president has noted that Ukraine is trying to intensify the work of all negotiation formats in order to achieve peace in the east of the country and restore its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The president of Ukraine recalled the recent statements by the UK prime minister and the head of the British Foreign Office, which stressed the support for Ukraine in the context of standing against the implementation of Russia’s Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project.

Photo: president.gov.ua

im