Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak has visited Ukraine's flagship Navy frigate Hetman Sahaidachny and a U.S. Navny destroyer and missile cruiser taking part in the Sea Breeze 2017 military exercises. Poltorak also met with U.S. 6th Fleet Commander Vice-Admiral Philip Davidson to discuss the military exercise.

"In the framework of the working trip to Odesa region I checked the progress of the international exercise Sea Breeze-2017, visited the frigate Hetman Sahaidachny of the Ukrainian Navy, the U.S. Navy destroyer 'Carney' and the missile cruiser 'HueCity' taking part in the exercises. I discussed with Vice-Admiral Philip Davidson the prospects of future stages of the exercises and ways to improve the professional skills of military personnel taking part," Poltorak said on Facebook on Saturday.

Poltorak met Davidson aboard HueCity, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's website said.

'We are honored to participate in such large-scale exercises with other 16 countries of the world. Due to the fact that we are meeting our goals together, we become stronger and so sharpen their professional skills,' Poltorak was quoted as saying.

Aboard the Hetman Sahaidachny Poltorak met with sailors and was briefed on the progress of the international Maritime military exercises by commander of Ukrainian Navy Vice-Admiral Ihor Voronchenko.

Poltorak also met with representatives of Kyiv Association of military attaches, during which he briefed foreign representatives about military reforms underway.

'Separate divisions of Ukraine's naval forces of Ukraine are involved in fighting in eastern Ukraine. They demonstrate great professionalism and patriotism in the fight for the territorial integrity of the country. International exercises are extremely useful and constructive. I want to thank foreign colleagues because they, along with improving our military skill, help our soldiers to acquire new knowledge," Poltorak was quoted as saying.