Vice President Pence on Saturday sought to reassure Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko that the U.S. is committed to Ukraine and does not recognize Russia’s annexation of the Crimean peninsula.
According to a White House readout of the meeting, Pence expressed concern about the recent wave of violence and instability in eastern Ukraine and both leaders agreed “on the need for an immediate comprehensive ceasefire.”
“The vice president underscored U.S. support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and self-determination and underlined that the United States does not recognize Russia’s occupation and attempted annexation of the Crimean peninsula,” the White House said.
{mosads}According to the readout, Pence also reiterated that the U.S. stands by the peace terms previously established by the Minsk agreements.
“The vice president expressed U.S. support for the full implementation of the Minsk agreements to bring peace to eastern Ukraine, and the leaders discussed how the United States can support negotiations,” the White House noted.
Pence also praised Ukraine for its political reforms, while agreeing with Poroshenko about the need “to transform Ukraine into a secure, prosperous European country for all its citizens.”
Pence is in Germany over the weekend, where he addressed a global security conference and spoke of the United States’ “unwavering” commitment to NATO, despite the president’s push for stronger ties with Russia.
“Know this: The United States will continue to hold Russia accountable, even as we search for new common ground, which as you know, President Trump believes can be found,” Pence said in his first major foreign policy address since taking office.