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Poroshenko Addresses U.S. Congress, Asks For Military Aid, Special Security Status

September 18, 2014
by RFE/RL

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has asked a joint session of the U.S. Congress for military aid and to confer a special security status upon Ukraine.

In an emotional speech before U.S. legislators, Poroshenko said that his army needed more military equipment, both 'lethal and nonlethal.'

He said that 'blankets [and] night-vision goggles are also important. But one cannot win a war with blankets...and cannot keep the peace with blankets.'

Poroshenko mentioned that just since the start of a cease-fire on September 5, Ukraine has lost 17 soldiers.

The Ukrainian president warned of a threat to 'global security everywhere' posed by the Russian aggression against his country.

He described Ukraine's conflict with Russia as the world's worst since the U.S.-Soviet Cuban missile crisis in 1962 and urged the United States not to let 'Ukraine stand alone in the face of this aggression.'

Poroshenko also pleaded with Washington to give Ukraine 'special,' non-NATO security status to help beef up its defenses against aggression from Russia.

Poroshenko also said that Russia's annexation of Crimea was one of 'the most cynical acts of treachery in modern history.'

He added that there is 'no way, at no price, and under no condition' that Kyiv will put up with the occupation.

The Ukrainian leader also called for the creation of a special fund 'to support U.S. companies' investment in Ukraine and help reform our economy and justice system.'

Poroshenko said all assistance received by Ukraine from the West will be used 'by noncorrupt establishments and the new generation of officials will guarantee that the funding will be used effectively.'

In a gesture of support for Poroshenko, the United States pledged $53 million in fresh aid to Ukraine on September 18, including antimortar radar equipment.

Senior U.S. administration officials said the new assistance would include $46 million to bolster Ukraine's security in its conflict with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine and $7 million in humanitarian aid.

Poroshenko was scheduled to meet President Barack Obama later.

With additional reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, and Interfax

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/poroshenko-ukraine- joint-sessin-of-us-congress/26593792.html

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Poroshenko Addresses U.S. Congress, Asks For Military Aid, Special Security Status