"Aggression must not stop reforms. We've conducted many important reforms," he said at the 11th annual Clinton Global Initiative meeting in New York. Poroshenko said that very important steps to decentralize power and fight corruption are being made in Ukraine. He also said that in this situation, Ukraine needs transatlantic unity and the solidarity of the international community. The President said Ukrainians are not only fighting for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of their country, but also "for the freedom and democracy of the whole world." Poroshenko also said around 6,500 civilians and 2,500 Ukrainian troops have given their lives for Ukraine in the conflict. He also said that around 500,000 people have been forced to flee their homes as a consequence of Russian aggression. He went on to say that Ukraine needs assistance to enhance its defensive capability, adding that "Ukraine is an outpost of global security and freedom."