As it was announced, on February 5, United States Secretary of State John Kerry came to Ukrainian capital to meet with the Ukrainian President, Prime Minister Arseniy Yatseniuk, Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin and members of the Ukrainian parliament.
During the meeting with Poroshenko Kerry told about $16.4 million in aid to help Ukrainians affected by the escalating violence in Eastern Ukraine.
“The funding will be used to support the Ukrainian government’s response to the crisis caused by Russia’s aggressive actions,” was said in a statement.
United States Secretary of State John Kerry has stressed on declaring ceasefire by Russia and by the removal of weapons from the Ukrainian territory.
“This conflict can be stopped but only if there is a ceasefire and weapons are removed, and all the parties sit down together at the negotiating table – this is the only way for Russia to avoid international isolation”, United States Secretary of State said in a joint statement.
As Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has noted cooperation between the two countries is very important. Especially Ukraine needs help in providing key reforms.
“We are cooperating on security, but the U.S. support for reforms in Ukraine is very important to us in order to find the most effective solution to the current situation,” the Ukrainian President said.
“Ukraine really needs help in areas such as the fight against corruption, establishing the rule of law, reforming the judicial system, creating a favorable investment climate and promoting democracy and freedom.It is very important for us to continue cooperation in these areas with the U.S. and we are grateful to you for this cooperation,” Poroshenko said.