KIEV: The US Vice President Joe Biden arrived in Ukraine on Monday on a two-day visit to underscore Washington’s support for Kiev amid growing tensions between the United States and Russia.
In a statement the White House said that the US vice president is scheduled to meet with Ukraine’s interim Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk and acting President Oleksandr Turchynov on Tuesday.
Biden will also talk with members of Ukraine’s Rada parliament from different political parties and regions as well as representatives from non-governmental organizations. The talks will cover a range of issues including Washington’s efforts to bolster support for a united and democratic Ukraine and to strengthen relationship between the two countries.
During the meetings, Biden will “discuss the international community’s efforts to help stabilize and strengthen Ukraine’s economy and to assist Ukraine in moving forward on constitutional reform, decentralization, anti-corruption efforts, and free and fair presidential elections on May 25th,” the White House stated.
“The vice president will also consult on the latest developments in eastern Ukraine and on steps to enhance Ukraine’s short- and long-term energy security.”
Last week, the US diplomats and EU officials held the first direct talks with Russian and Ukrainian officials in Geneva, during which they signed an accord to de-escalate tensions in Ukraine. However, anti-Kiev protesters in eastern Ukraine refused to recognize the deal and renewed their calls for a referendum.
