U.S. defense secretary reaffirms support for Ukraine in countering Russia's policy – Pentagon

WASHINGTON. Sept 1 (Interfax) – U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reaffirmed U.S. support for Kyiv in countering Russia’s policy and approved of Ukraine’s intention to enter into NATO at a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Defense Minister Andriy Taran.

"Our support for Ukraine sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Euro-Atlantic aspirations is unwavering," the Pentagon quoted Austin as saying.

"We again call on Russia to end the occupation of Crimea and to stop perpetuating the conflict in eastern Ukraine, and we will continue to stand with you in the face of this Russian aggression," he said.

The strategic defense framework agreement signed with Taran is meant to enhance cooperation between the two nations, the Pentagon said.

"The agreement also looks at defense industry reforms in support of Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations, and deepening cooperation in such areas of Black Sea security, cyber defense, and intelligence sharing," it said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the agreement as "a new stage in Ukraine-U.S. defense cooperation."

"For us, U.S. support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, gaining NATO membership and joint opposition to Russian aggression are very important," Zelensky said on Twitter.

Austin and Taran also signed an agreement on research, development, testing and evaluation projects.

The document creates conditions for the implementation of advanced defense technologies, the launch of projects in the field of modernization of armaments and military equipment with investments from the United States, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said.