Ukraine, U.S. call on Russia to recommit to ceasefire in eastern Ukraine - statement

The United States has been a steadfast supporter of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and will continue to work to hold Russia accountable for its aggression, according to a joint statement on the U.S.-Ukraine strategic partnership published on the website of the Ukrainian president.

"In the 21st century, nations cannot be allowed to redraw borders by force. Russia violated this ground rule in Ukraine. Sovereign states have the right to make their own decisions and choose their own alliances. The United States stands with Ukraine and will continue to work to hold Russia accountable for its aggression. America's support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity is unwavering," the document reads.

According to the statement, Russia's aggression, including the war in eastern Ukraine and its seizure of Crimea, has claimed more than 14,000 Ukrainian lives, destabilized Europe and the Black Sea region, and threatened the global rules-based order.

"The United States does not and will never recognize Russia's purported annexation of Crimea and reaffirms its full support for international efforts, including in the Normandy Format, aimed at negotiating a diplomatic resolution to the Russian-led conflict in eastern Ukraine on the basis of international law, including the UN Charter," the statement said.

The United States supports Ukraine's efforts to use the Crimea Platform to focus international attention and action on the humanitarian and security costs of Russia's occupation of Crimea with the aim of peacefully restoring Ukraine's control over this territory in accordance with international law.

Ukraine and the United States also called on Russia "to recommit to the ceasefire in eastern Ukraine and engage genuinely in conflict resolution efforts to end the war."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is on a working visit to Washington. He met with U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday.

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