KYIV, Sept 24 – U.S. Charge d'Affaires in Ukraine Kristina Kvien said that one of the most effective ways for Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression is progress in implementing key reforms and overcoming corruption.

"Ukraine has made progress in building institutions based on integrity, it should not be overlooked. The country has created mechanisms to increase the accountability of public officials through the asset declaration system, developed a transparent public procurement process and established independent anti-corruption institutions," Kvien said in an address to the participants of the first youth meeting of the West-East, North-South Kyiv Security Forum, founded by the Open Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation, its press service said on Friday.