Biden: US exploring additional support to help Ukraine’s economy

“President Biden noted the United States has provided Ukraine with over half a billion dollars in development and humanitarian assistance in the last year, and is exploring additional macroeconomic support to help Ukraine’s economy amidst pressure resulting from Russia’s military build-up,” the White House reports following Biden-Zelensky phone conversation on January 27.

As noted, the U.S. leader made clear that despite the departure of American family members of embassy personnel, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, remains open and fully operational.

The presidents also discussed coordinated diplomatic efforts on European security, underscoring the principle of “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.”

President Biden relayed the United States’ support for conflict resolution efforts in the Normandy Format, expressing his hope that the sides’ recommitment on January 26 to the terms of the July 2020 ceasefire will help decrease tensions and advance the implementation of the Minsk Agreements.

“President Biden reaffirmed the readiness of the United States along with its allies and partners to respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine,” reads the statement.

As reported, the conversation between the presidents of the United States and Ukraine took place on Thursday. According to the Ukrainian side, the leaders discussed the current diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and agreed on joint actions for the future.

Photo credit: twitter.com/POTUS

ol