Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has said that the Ukrainian military is doing well at the front, as they have already passed two Russian defense lines and are now facing the third. He said this in an interview with FoxNews.

"We have de-occupied 50% of our territory, we are defeating Russia on our land, we have returned the territory, liberated it. And now we have a plan for 2024," he said.

The minister emphasized that a strategic victory for Ukraine would be to return to the 1991 borders, including Crimea, Donbas and the Black Sea, in accordance with internationally recognized borders.

Asked by a journalist whether a settlement is possible if the war drags on for years, Umerov said that the civilized world should be ashamed if this happens.

"It will continue and destroy democracy. They (Russians) believe that Ukraine and Ukrainians should not exist," he said.

The minister also spoke about Ukraine's plans to join NATO. According to him, all calculations for the next year, procurement and planning of operations are carried out according to NATO standards.

Umerov also commented on the corruption and procurement scandals in the Defense Ministry. He said that tenders, competitions and audits are currently being held. The Defense Minister added that the department is ready to invite external auditors for cross-checking.