Ukraine and the US discussed preparations for Zelenskyi’s visit to Washington

Roman Mashovets, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, discussed the preparation for President Volodymyr Zelenskyi's visit to the United States with Defense Attaché Brittany Stewart and other representatives of the US Embassy in Ukraine.

The Office of the President reports.

In particular, the meeting focused on preparing bilateral agreements on deepening Ukrainian-American defense cooperation, developing research and testing projects, and providing US security assistance to Ukraine.

Roman Mashovets noted that the decision of the US Department of Defense on June 11 this year to provide Ukraine with the second part of assistance under the "Security Assistance Initiative to Ukraine" in the amount of $150 million was important for strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities.

The parties also touched upon key issues of reforming the security and defense sector of Ukraine, including improving the system of military governance, defense planning, strengthening democratic civilian control over the defense forces, and the division of powers between the Minister of Defense and the Commander-in-Chief.

The Deputy Head of the Office of the President also informed the American party about the course of reforming the defense-industrial complex and preparing the Strategy for the Development of the Defense Industry of Ukraine for approval by the National Security and Defense Council.

Photo: president.gov.ua

Mashovets noted that the approach to the management system of state-owned objects in the defense industry is changing, with the ultimate goal of forming two vertically integrated structures, state-owned holding companies. As a result of the reform, the Ukrainian defense industry should become more efficient, transparent, and open to international cooperation, including with the United States.

Brittany Stewart spoke about the work being done by the US Embassy to prepare for Volodymyr Zelenskyi's visit to the United States and assured of continued support for the Ukrainian security and defense sector.