Readout of Deputy National Security Advisor Antony Blinken 's Meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak of Slovakia

Deputy National Security Advisor Antony Blinken met with Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak on October 2. They discussed the current situation in Ukraine and stressed the importance of continued United States and European Union support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and for the Ukrainian government's efforts to implement democratic reforms. They also agreed on the need for Russia to withdraw its forces immediately from Ukraine, to end its materiel support for separatists, and to meet its commitments under the Minsk cease-fire and peace plan agreements.