Biden In Ukraine To Pledge Continued Support Despite Russia Efforts

KIEV, Ukraine — U.S. Vice President Joe Biden arrived in Kiev on Monday to pledge continued support for Ukraine and was expected to calm fears that Washington's efforts to improve relations with Russia may come at the expense of ex-Soviet nations.

Biden is expected to reaffirm Washington's backing for Ukraine's NATO membership despite opposition from the Kremlin. The visit comes after Russia and the U.S. pledged to work toward improving bilateral ties during a summit in Moscow.

Biden will meet with President Viktor Yushchenko, Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and the main opposition leaders as the country gears up for January presidential elections.

Ukrainian officials were also looking to Biden for help in getting more economic assistance from international financial institutions and the EU as the former Soviet republic battles a severe economic crisis.

Biden arrived at Kiev's main Borypsil airport Monday afternoon, his press office said.

On Wednesday, Biden will visit Georgia, another ex-Soviet nation whose pro-Western drive has met fierce opposition from Russia.

Comments

[PrincipiaChamp]

02:21 PM on 07/20/2009

Obama is relying on Biden more and more for foreign policy. I'm glad to see this.

Biden was dispatched to this region a year ago, talked with respective countries, and brought back a snapshot of the area after Georgia's assertion. They know Biden, so sending him is a wise move. As VP, his visit carries more clout, more oomph.

Safe travels Joe Biden.

[Dr Manhattan]

10:29 AM on 07/20/2009

Good. This was about the thing the Bush regime was right on. However, it does show that Obama is probably taking orders from the same people that pulled Bush's string. Let's face it, all of the POTUS are nothing but puppets anymore. You can bet that most Republicians don't hate most of what Obama's done on the major issues. Their outrage is posturing for the home-crowd fools that elected them.