Biden arrives in Kiev amid tensions
Iran Press TV
Mon Apr 21, 2014 3:10PM GMT
US Vice President Joe Biden has arrived in Kiev to highlight Washington's support for Ukraine amid growing tensions with Russia.
Biden is expected to hold talks with interim President Oleksandr Turchynov and Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk on Tuesday.
The State Department says the discussions will cover US efforts to strengthen support for "a united and democratic" Ukraine and to deepen partnership between the two countries.
Biden will also consult on the latest developments in eastern Ukraine as well as steps to enhance the country's short- and long-term energy security.
President Barack Obama and Biden agreed on the trip to send a high-level signal of support for the new Ukrainian government, the White House said.
Biden plans to announce new technical support to the Ukrainian government to implement energy and economic reforms, a senior US official told reporters onboard Air Force Two en route to Kiev.
On his trip, Biden will also warn Russians of the rising costs of not abiding to their proposed agreements, the official said.
Although international negotiators in Geneva on Thursday expressed hopes to defuse the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, tensions have not abated yet. The United States has threatened further sanctions on Russia if the stalemate continues.
Washington accuses Moscow of supporting anti-Kiev protesters in Ukraine but Moscow denies the accusation.
Biden's visit will last two days before he returns to Washington Tuesday night.
AN/ARA
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