U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden arrived in Kyiv on Jan. 16 for his last visit in office. He held closed meetings with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman.
Biden’s visit followed that of U.S. senators John McCain, Lindsey Graham, and Amy Klobuchar at the end of 2016, in underscoring U.S. support for Russian sanctions over Ukraine and the country’s fight against corruption.
The visit, which is Biden’s fifth since the EuroMaidan Revolution, came just days before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Ukraine has been nervous about the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations given Trump’s Russia-friendly foreign policy. Trump, who repeatedly lauded the Russian President Vladimir Putin, recently proposed to end sanctions against Russia imposed by the U.S. in retaliation of annexation of Crimea in return for a nuclear arms reduction deal.
Last week the Obama administration extended the sanctions against Russia for another year. At today’s media briefing with Biden, President Poroshenko thanked the U.S. for the prolongation of the sanctions and expressed hopes that the Ukrainian question would remain a top priority for the new administration as well.
Poroshenko said that Biden’s visit is illustrative for the Trump’s administration that Ukraine is an extremely important strategic partner for the U.S.
“Sanctions are not a goal in themselves, but an important tool to keep Russia motivated to negotiate and implement Minsk peace agreement, to make Russia respect the international law,” said Poroshenko.
In response, Biden announced that the U.S., together with the European Union and G7 nations, made it clear that sanctions would remain until Russia fully implements its commitments under the Minsk-2 peace agreements.
“You find it difficult to believe in peace agreements when Russia refuses to follow them, but it’s the only viable framework for the resolution of conflict on Donbas and restoration of Ukraine’s control over occupied territories. It’s Ukraine’s best hope to move forward as a united country,” said Biden.
He added that for any political agreements to come into effect Russia must stop the violence. And peace in Ukraine is in the interest of the West too.
“It’s no secret that Russia doesn’t want you to succeed. But it’s not just about Ukraine; it’s about the future we have long sought of Europe whole, free, and at peace. Something that is in the vital interest of the U.S. and Europe,” said Biden.
Biden noted the progress that Ukraine had made since his last visit to the country in December 2015. He urged Ukrainian government to keep working with the International Monetary Fund to implement reforms, demonstrate commitment to the rule of law, and fight corruption.
“Russia for the last decade or so uses corruption as a tool of coercion to keep Ukraine vulnerable and dependent. It’s not about only good governance, it’s about self-preservation and national security,” said Biden during the media briefing.
“I hope that next U.S. administration will support you in your continuing progress. But no one except you can do the hard work. It’s up for Ukrainian leaders and people to put the needs of the country above personal interests and put greater good above point-scoring and local prejudice.”
Video footage from Biden’s visit courtesy of Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty:
