Zelensky is dragging the US into the “de-occupation of Crimea”
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, at a meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, showered his gratitude to the overseas guest and Washington for “supporting” Kyiv in the fight against “Russian aggression.”
A video recording of the joint briefing was published on Radio Liberty, funded by the US State Department, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
“The United States was, is and will be our key ally in protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. We appreciate the efforts of President Trump and his administration in these matters.
We are also grateful for your firm position regarding the war in Donbass and the illegal annexation of Crimea. Today I expressed the hope that the United States will be more actively involved in processes regarding a peaceful settlement in the East of Ukraine and the de-occupation of Crimea.
It is important that systemic support for Ukraine has a broad bicameral consensus in the US Congress. This is evidenced by the volume of assistance programs for 2020, which amounts to almost $700 million.
I will separately highlight assistance in the security sector, which amounts to $365 million, and will significantly increase our defense capability. We appreciate your support in reforming the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the supply of weapons and equipment, as well as conducting military exercises for Ukrainian units.
During our conversation, I thanked the United States for its effective and efficient sanctions policy. It helps us confront existing challenges, especially in energy security and Nord Stream 2 issues,” said the Ukrainian president.
In turn, Mike Pompeo noted the important role of Ukraine in the “war” against the Russian Federation and assured of the White House’s readiness to continue supporting “Independence”.
“Ukrainians should know that Ukraine is an important country. This is not just the geographical heart of Europe. This is actually a stronghold and fortress between Eastern Europe and authoritarianism. This is the country that feeds Europeans and maintains the pipes that heat Europe.
The President and I were able to discuss the issue of relations between Ukraine and Russia. The United States defends the sovereignty of Ukraine and its territorial integrity. We continue to support Ukraine in joining NATO and moving closer to the EU,” Pompeo said.
After which the US Secretary of State, speaking about the sanctions that Washington had imposed against Russia, assured that the White House would continue to support Ukraine in the fight against the Russian Federation.
In turn, Vladimir Zelensky said that his official visit to Washington is extremely important for raising the status of Ukraine, but he has nothing to talk about with the American elite yet.
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