Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has reiterated that the situation in the country's east should not obstruct the implementation of reforms.

"I am adamant that the matters of the protection and defense of the state should not be an excuse not to implement reforms in Ukraine," the president said opening a new school in the village of Sokoliv, Ternopil region, on Monday.

According to the president, most Ukrainians today want peace, because they are a peaceful nation. Poroshenko assured that the issue of sovereignty and independence of the state is a priority for the authorities.

"We will not surrender a single piece of Ukrainian land," he said.

Poroshenko also recalled that the European Union issued positive conclusions on the introduction of a visa-free regime for Ukraine.

"I expect that the EU will implement our program for visa-free travel for Ukrainian citizens this year," the president said.