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Pentagon chief spokesperson Dana W. White provided the following:
Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis met June 20 with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko at the Pentagon to discuss security challenges and defense cooperation.
The two leaders discussed recent activities by the combined Russian-separatist forces in eastern Ukraine, as well as U.S. security assistance efforts to improve Ukraine's internal defense capabilities and the professionalization of the armed forces.
Mattis emphasized the U.S.' support of the full implementation of the Minsk Agreements in support of Ukraine's sovereignty. Additionally, he encouraged Ukraine to remain committed to reforms, which will make their defense enterprise more effective and efficient.
Poroshenko underscored the importance of staying in close communication and further strengthening bilateral defense relations.
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