On Wednesday, July 2, at the request of Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, the U.S. Chargé d'Affaires ad interim in Ukraine, John Ginkel, was invited to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

The main topic of the conversation with the American diplomat was U.S. military assistance and defense cooperation between the two countries amid Russia's escalation of aggression and terror against Ukraine.

Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Mariana Betsa expressed gratitude to the United States for the support provided since Russia's full-scale invasion began and emphasized the importance of continuing the delivery of previously allocated defense packages, especially focusing on strengthening Ukraine's air defenses.

The Ukrainian side emphasized that any delay or slowing down in supporting Ukraine's defense capabilities would only encourage the aggressor to continue war and terror, rather than seek peace.

The Deputy Minister underlined that Russia not only rejects the full and unconditional ceasefire that Ukraine agreed to on March 11, but also continues to escalate aerial attacks against Ukrainian cities and communities, killing civilians, and conducting battlefield assaults.

Ukraine supports peace efforts and the U.S. position on the immediate need to stop the killings and end the war, and highlights the need of forcing Russia to peace. In these circumstances, strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities and increasing coordinated transatlantic pressure on the aggressor are critically important.

The parties discussed ongoing consultations at all levels regarding defense supplies and further contacts between Ukraine and the United States, which will help tp find mutually beneficial solutions to strengthen our country's defense capabilities and increase pressure on Russia to promote peace efforts.