Obama promised Ukraine support in exchange for reforms

Obama congratulated Ukraine on 24 Independence Day.
Photo: whitehouse.gov

President Barack Obama congratulated the Ukrainian people on the 24 anniversary of the Independence of Ukraine.

In his congratulations, Obama noted that “over the past year, Ukraine has taken important steps towards achieving the goal it has set for itself since gaining independence in 1991.”

“Despite numerous challenges, the people of Ukraine are closer than ever to realizing their shared vision of a free, democratic and prosperous country firmly integrated into the heart of Europe,” the US president said, pointing to Russian aggression in the Donbass and Crimea.

Obama assured that the United States will continue to “remain consistent in its support for Ukraine.”

The US President also noted that the friendship between Ukraine and the US “will strengthen even further as Ukraine makes further efforts to develop democratic institutions, promote the rule of law and pave the way for economic growth,” the press service of the Ukrainian President notes.

“Our two nations are working together to support and protect the right of the Ukrainian people to freely choose their path forward,” Obama said.

On the eve of the US Secretary of State John Kerry congratulated Ukrainians on the upcoming Independence Day.