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Immediate Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel's meeting with Ukraine Minister of Defense Colonel General Valeriy Heletey

Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby provided the following readout:

Secretary Hagel met today with Ukraine Minister of Defense Colonel General Valeriy Heletey to discuss the ongoing security situation in Ukraine.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Wales.

Secretary Hagel praised the actions of the Ukrainian armed forces in their current engagements in Eastern Ukraine and pledged continued U.S. support for their efforts. Minister Heletey thanked Secretary Hagel for that support, which includes millions of dollars of non-lethal material and assistance.

Secretary Hagel underscored calls by the United States, NATO and the European Union for Russia to immediately withdraw its forces from Ukraine, halt support for Russian separatists and honor its international obligations. Minister Heletey also reiterated Ukraine's commitment to democratic ideals and its commitment to working with its European partners.