The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, held a meeting with the Secretary of State of the United States of America, Anthony Blinken, who is visiting Ukraine. This was reported in the Office of the President.
Zelensky noted that good relations have developed between Ukraine and the United States today, both on an emotional level and on a practical level. He emphasized that this visit is an important signal for Europe and the Russian Federation, because it is taking place at a time when Russia's military presence has increased at the borders of Ukraine and there is a high probability of escalation of the conflict in the Donbass.
"It is important that today, thanks to the support of the United States, joint work with Ukraine and the countries of the European Union, pressure has been applied and a possible escalation on the part of the Russian Federation has been stopped," said the President of Ukraine.
According to him, the withdrawal of a part of the armament relieved the tension, but the threat remains. In fact, an insignificant part of the troops was allocated: as of today, it is only 3,5 thousand. military and 210 units of equipment and only from Crimea. The forces deployed along the borders allow the Russian side to launch a military operation against Ukraine at any time.
At the same time, there is a decrease in sniper fire in the Donbass, which means that there are fewer dead Ukrainian defenders.
"Indeed, now the number of shots has slightly decreased. "The issue of ending the war is a priority for Ukraine, and a priority for each of us," Zelensky noted.
The President also offered Blinken to discuss possible joint steps to de-occupy the Crimean Peninsula.
"We would like you to help us with this. Because it will be difficult for us alone to face the threat in the Black Sea-Azov region. We want the United States to be one of the founders and leaders of the Crimean platform and invite the American side to participate in its first summit," the head of the Ukrainian state emphasized.
Zelensky also called on the NATO countries to strengthen their military presence in this region, so that it would be possible to respond with joint actions of the allies at sea.
In addition, the president expressed the hope that the NATO summit on June 14 will start discussing the prospect of Ukraine receiving the Action Plan for membership in the Alliance.
"We ask for the assistance of the United States in the beginning of this process," he added.
In turn, Blinken thanked the head of state for the warm reception in Ukraine and conveyed sincere greetings from US President Joe Biden, who greatly appreciates the conversation that took place between the two leaders a few weeks ago.
The interlocutors also discussed preparations for the visit of the US president to Ukraine. Zelensky noted that 2021 will be a significant year in relations between the two countries.
"On the 30th anniversary of our independence, during which the important Crimean platform will be held, I invited the president and vice president of the United States to visit Ukraine," Zelensky said.
According to him, the parties are still working on the format of the meeting with the head of the White House.
Blinken assured that the USA sees the progress that Ukraine has achieved in very difficult circumstances.
"I came to Ukraine to personally confirm to you our decisive support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine, our partnership. For many years, the United States has stood by Ukraine against aggression, supports the strengthening of democracy, the development of institutions, the fight against corruption, and the promotion of reforms," the State Secretary said.
