Reznikov, Kvien agree to coordinate measures to reduce escalation in Ukraine's occupied territories, borders

KYIV. Nov 15 (Interfax-Ukraine) – On Monday, November 15, Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov held a meeting with Charge d’Affaires of the United States in Ukraine Kristina Kvien, the Defense Ministry’s press service said.

"Representatives of the parties discussed the exacerbation of the current security situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine and around its borders. The interlocutors agreed on close coordination of political, diplomatic and other measures to reduce the existing level of escalation," the ministry said.

Separately, the parties discussed the development of bilateral defense cooperation, in particular, the U.S. support for the implementation of defense reform measures, the introduction of NATO standards and principles into the daily activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the development of their combat, special and institutional capabilities, the acquisition of interoperability with the armed forces of the United States and other partner countries.

Reznikov and Kvien also spoke in favor of further deepening bilateral cooperation, in particular, using the mechanisms proposed by the U.S.-Ukraine Strategic Defense Framework, as well as the Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the United States on research and development projects, tests and evaluations.

Reznikov thanked the U.S. government for its steady support of Ukraine in countering Russian armed aggression, implementing defense reforms and developing the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.