OREANDA-NEWS. March 31, 2015. At the beginning of the meeting, the President has thanked for the support and solidarity with Ukraine and informed the American congressmen on the development of the situation in Donbas and the actions of the Ukrainian authorities on the way to further democratization and profound economic and anti-corruption reforms.

"War against corruption is of the same importance as our today's war for independence," the President said.

Particular attention has been paid to the support of Ukraine in hybrid war.

The President emphasizes that joint and coordinated actions in the issues of Ukrainian-American military and military-technical cooperation are mutually beneficial and joint Ukrainian-American military trainings planned for 2015 will bring significant benefits.

Kevin McCarthy, House Majority Leader of the United States House of Representatives said that the Ukrainian struggle for independence was supported by both the Republican and Democratic parties. He also noted that the issue of support to Ukraine was becoming more and more important in the American society.

Speaking of the situation in the ATO area, the President has emphasized that Ukraine was preparing to defend its freedom, democracy and independence. "Ukraine is defending not only its independence; Ukrainian warriors are defending the future of the entire Europe," Petro Poroshenko said.

Chairman of the House Committee on Armed Services William Thornberry has expressed common opinion of the delegation that Ukrainian issue – problem of countering the aggressor and restoring peace in Ukraine – was one of the most important issues for Americans: "We all support you in your struggle for independence and freedom. Russian aggression against Ukraine affects each of us".

Speaking of the policy of sanctions against Russia, American delegates have been emphasizing that "sanctions are the price, which Russia must pay for its aggression against Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea".

Commenting on the provision of American non-lethal military aid, the President has noted: "We are willing to create a modern Ukrainian army that would be able to defend the country from the aggressor. Defensive weapons are an instrument of peace, not war".

The meeting was also attended by NSDC Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Valeriy Chaly, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Andriy Taranov, Minister of Finance Natalie Jaresko, Representative of the President in the Cabinet of Ministers Oleksandr Danyliuk etc.