WASHINGTON, September 18. /ITAR-TASS/. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko called on the US Congress on Thursday to give Ukraine a special security status reflecting the highest level of NATO ties with a non-member.

"We need more military equipment, both lethal and non-lethal," Poroshenko said addressing the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

He also urged the US to be forceful in imposing new sanctions against Russia.

Poroshenko is expected to meet with US President Barack Obama later on Thursday.