The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Defense, different branches and services of the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as foreign diplomats accredited in Washington DC, Ukrainian Community, businessmen, and NGOs.

During the opening ceremony Ambassador of Ukraine to the U.S. Olexander Motsyk underlined that Ukraine pays special attention to the development and modernization of the Armed Forces. Ukraine’s Armed Forces have made a significant contribution to international security and stability. Ambassador of Ukraine noted that over the 20 years of participation in peacekeeping operations more than 39 thousand representatives of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has participated in the peacekeeping missions.

Ukrainian servicemen perform tasks in peacekeeping operations under the aegis of NATO and UN in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Liberia, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Southern Sudan and other “hot spots”. Also, Ambassador Motsyk marked the participation of the flagship of the Naval Forces of Ukraine –frigate “Hetman Sahaidachny” in NATO anti-piracy operation near Somalia shores – “Ocean shield”.

Ukraine’s Ambassador expressed his gratitude to the American side for continuous support in strengthening the defense capacity of the Ukrainian state and the creation of a professional and credible military force. In conclusion, Ambassador Motsyk emphasized that Ukraine remains on the path to European integration and reforms.
Defense Attache of the Embassy of Ukraine in the U.S., Major-general Sergiy Pasichnyk outlined the parameters of the modern Armed Forces reforming including the creation of a capable, mobile, professional Armed Forces, able to quickly respond to real and potential threats to national security in the military sphere. S.Pasichnyk expressed gratitude to the American side for the support and assistance in reforming the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

In the photo: Ukraine's Ambassador to the U.S. Olexander Motsyk