Cooperation with the United States provides Ukraine with more opportunities to build an effective national security system. That was the Chairman of the Security Service of Ukraine Ivan Bakanov’s underlying point during a meeting with representatives of the American Foreign Policy Council (AFPC).

"Partnership with the United States enables a more robust defense of our nation. It is crucial while Ukraine is confronted by a powerful enemy. Therefore, we must respond to this threat systematically and effectively," said Ivan Bakanov.

He emphasized that the National Security Strategy defines solely Euro-Atlantic vector for Ukraine and that this partnership should be expanded today.

Ivan Bakanov added that Ukraine aspires to Major Non-NATO Ally status, and down the road – to membership in the Alliance. He stressed that this will not only deepen our military cooperation, but also will enhance Ukraine’s defense capability and help to deoccupy Donbass and Crimea.

The SSU Chairman also outlined the areas of cooperation with the United States, particularly important to the Ukrainian special service – cybersecurity, counteraction to hybrid warfare, fight against terrorism and professional training for officers.

In addition, Ivan Bakanov called on the AFPC to promote Ukraine's engagement in the Cyber ​​Flag exercise, which would enhance our collective cyber security.

The American side was represented at the meeting by the AFPC President Herman Pirchner, the US Ambassador to the OSCE in 2019-2021 James Gilmore, former Deputy UN Ambassador Jon Lerner, the Director of the Center for US-Ukrainian Relations Mykola Hryckowian, the AFPC Researcher and former Deputy Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff of the National Security Council (NSC) at the White House Alexander Gray.

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The American Foreign Policy Council, established in 1982 and headquartered in Washington, DC, is a non-profit organization that serves as a think tank to the US Congress. Among international issues, the AFPC thoroughly examines changes in the countries of the post-Soviet space, the Eurasian continent in general and provides recommendations to members of the US Congress.