An official website of the United States Government 
Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov

.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

You have accessed part of a historical collection on defense.gov. Some of the information contained within may be outdated and links may not function. Please contact the DOD Webmaster with any questions.
Immediate Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Ash Carter's Meeting with Ukraine Minister of Defense Colonel-General Stepan Poltorak

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter met with Ukraine Minister of Defense Colonel-General Stepan Poltorak at the NATO Defense Ministerial in Brussels, Belgium. This was their first meeting.

Secretary Carter and Gen. Poltorak discussed Russia's ongoing aggression in eastern Ukraine. Secretary Carter commended Gen. Poltorak for all the steps Ukraine has taken toward implementing the Minsk agreements despite Russia's destabilizing actions. Secretary Carter emphasized that the United States, together with our allies, remains committed to supporting Ukraine in its effort to define its own course as a sovereign, democratic nation.

The leaders reviewed ongoing U.S. security assistance to Ukraine's armed forces and border guard service, including the mid-July delivery of an additional 100 HMMWVs, and the ongoing training of Ukrainian National Guard forces in Yavoriv.

Secretary Carter also reaffirmed the United States' commitment to continuing defense cooperation with Ukraine, including through annual bilateral and multilateral exercises and training.