The US to provide $335 million to finance Ukrainian security and defense sector
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said that the United States will soon provide $335 million to finance the Ukraine defense and security sector.
"Most importantly, Ukraine finally will receive 335 million dollars, without any conditions, in the form of defense and security sector financing. We were waiting for a long time for these funds; it's the first time we took part in the distribution of these funds after defining the priority areas for which we need them," Poroshenko said on Sunday evening in an interview to Ukrainian TV channels reporting on the results of his visit to the US.
The President recalled that during his visit to the US he had meetings with US President Barack Obama and US Vice President Joe Biden. Some of the agreements were reached during these meetings. Poroshenko added that the funds will be used to purchase modern weapons and equipment and to hold necessary training and exercises for the Ukrainian military.
"Meetings with representatives of major US defense industry companies were held and agreements have been reached on the joint production of certain products with Ukroboronprom (Ukrainian association of multi-product enterprises in various defense sectors) on the territory of Ukraine. In fact, it was a breakthrough," the head of state said.
Poroshenko also pointed out that the United States has a clear position on signing of an agreement to provide credit guarantees to Ukraine worth $1 billion, assuming that a new parliamentary coalition is formed, that a new government is elected by the Verkhovna Rada, and that the country’s reforms continue and are intensified.