PresidentPoroshenko – Ukrainian army to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank in exchange for collective security guarantee

August 25, 2018 (Interfax-Ukraine) The Ukrainian army will significantly reinforce NATO’s eastern flank, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said at the military parade on Aug. 24 marking the 27th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. “You will see here today, and the past four years have proven, that this is one of the best armies on the continent. It will significantly reinforce NATO’s eastern flank. In exchange, we hope to receive collective security guarantees from the Alliance,” Poroshenko said. According to Poroshenko, while Russia seeks “to dismantle the European Union and NATO,” the Ukrainian army is not only defending the security and well-being of Ukraine. “Europe also needs us, because the European Union project will not be complete without us. The modern border of civilized Europe is the northeastern border of Ukraine,” he said.

Defence Minister Stepan Poltorak listens as Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko delivers a speech during a military parade in Kiev on August 24, 2018, to celebrate the the country's 27th year of independence from the Soviet Union. / AFP PHOTO / Genya SAVILOV