Poroshenko, Volker discuss UN peacekeepers, release of hostages in Donbas

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker at a meeting in Kyiv on Wednesday noted the importance of deploying a UN peacekeeping force to the occupied areas of Donbas and discussed cooperation in the defense sector between the two countries.
"The sides discussed the situation in Donbas and noted the importance of deploying a UN peacekeeping force to its occupied part. Petro Poroshenko and Kurt Volker stressed the need for immediate release of Ukrainian hostages," the press service of the head of state reported after the meeting.
Particular attention was paid to security and defense cooperation between Ukraine and the United States, the strengthening of Ukraine's partnership with NATO and energy security, taking into account the risks posed by the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project.
In addition, the parties discussed the progress and support of Ukraine in the reform area, in particular, in the fight against corruption.