US ready to help Ukraine!
In the face of Russian aggression in Ukraine, the United States of America today underscored its clear commitment to support Ukraine’s transition.
In his testimony in before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in Washington DC, Deputy Secretary of State William J. Burns made it clear the America’s deep and abiding commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity especially in the face of Russian aggression.
Mr. Burns said the US is determined to ensure that the people of Ukraine get to make their own choices about their future.
“That’s a bedrock conviction for the United States.” – Mr. Burns
In addition, the US government is impressed by the bravery and selflessness of Ukrainians and the commitment of the new interim government to reach across ethnic and regional lines and build a stable, democratic and inclusive Ukraine,.
Russia undermines Ukraine transition
Mr. Burns higlighted that the US and its allies worked together to support Ukraine’s transition. In contrast, Russia worked actively to undermine it.
He said Russia’s military intervention in Crimea is a brazen violation of its international obligations, and no amount of Russian posturing can obscure that fact.
In addition, Ukraine’s interim government, approved by 82 percent of the Rada, including most members of Yanukovich’s party, has shown admirable restraint in the face of massive provocation.
“They need and deserve our strong support.” – Mr. Burns
US Supports Ukraine’s transition
According to Mr. Burns, President Obama, Secretary Kerry and the entire Administration have been working hard to build urgent international backing for Ukraine and counter-pressure against Russia.
First, the US pledges immediate support for Ukraine as it deals with enormous economic challenges.
Secretary John Kerry has announced its intent to seek a $1 billion loan guarantee which will be part of a major international effort to build a strong economic support package for Ukraine as it undertakes reform.
Second, the US plans for deterrence for an end to Russia’s occupation of Crimea. To do this, President Obama has led broad international condemnation of Russia’s intervention, with strong, unified statements from the G-7 and NATO, as well as the EU, whose leaders are meeting today in an emergency summit.
The US is international observers from the OSCE to Crimea and eastern Ukraine to bear witness to what is happening and make clear that minorities are not at risk.
Third, the US is bolstering Ukraine’s neighbors and is moving immediately to reinforce our Washington Treaty commitments to our allies.
As Secretary Hagel stressed, the US is taking concrete steps to support NATO partners, through intensified joint training with our aviation detachment in Poland and enhanced participation in NATO’s air policing mission in the Baltics.
And fourth, Mr. Burns noted that Secretary Kerry is working intensively to de-escalate the crisis, in order to restore Ukraine’s sovereignty while creating a diplomatic off-ramp.
The US also supports direct dialogue between Kyiv and Moscow, facilitated by an international contact group.
Mr. Burns also stressed that the US government is not seeking confrontation with Russia.
6,000 Russian Troops On The Ground In Crimea
Reports made headlines that Russia is giving Ukraine’s army and navy in Crimea an ultimatum, whether to pledge allegiance to the Ukraine’s new pro-Russia leadership or be forced by Russia to submit.
Ukrainian forces believed they faced a threat even though no shot had been fired when 6,000 Russian troops are on the ground Crimea.
Many are afraid that there might be a possibility day of a wider invasion by Russia which in turn aroused international attention these days.
Ukrainian People On Protest!
In December 2012, Kiev was engulfed by unrest when a massive demonstration by pro-EU protesters stood their ground after an overnight sweep by riot police.
The authorities sent in battalions of riot police with bulldozers to reclaim Independence Square. There were records of scuffles and arrests. However, the riot police avoided entering the nearby City Hall and by morning they withdrew from the streets.
