The United Kingdom and Ukraine aim at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fields of security and defense.

On August 19, the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Ivan Bakanov and the Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom Ben Wallace discussed prospects and further steps for cooperation during an official meeting with the participation of the British Ambassador to Ukraine Melinda Simmons.

The Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Ivan Bakanov thanked the British partners for their constant support of territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.

“We are grateful to the United Kingdom for its support of Ukraine in combating the hybrid aggression that has been directed against our country for many years. Together, we will be able to counter subversive activities that harm the national interests of both Ukraine and the United Kingdom, more effectively,” the Head of the SBU said.

In turn, the Defense Secretary informed that Ukraine is an important partner of the United Kingdom in matters related to the security situation in the Black Sea region.

"The United Kingdom will continue to support Ukraine at this difficult time," Ben Wallace added.

The parties discussed practical steps for cooperation. The British partners also reaffirmed their readiness to continue to assist Ukraine in effectively counteracting the current threats posed by the modern world.