U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, on his fourth visit to the Ukraine over the past two years, has assured the Ukrainian government of continued U.S. support in view of the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
"Today, Russia is occupying sovereign Ukrainian territory. Let me be crystal clear: The United States does not, has not, never will recognize Russia's attempt to annex Crimea," said Biden, addressing members of the Ukrainian Rada Monday before concluding a two-day visit to Ukraine, reported Voice of America. He assured the Ukrainian people of continued U.S. sanctions against Russia.
"The world is watching you - this is your moment. Please, for the sake of the rest of us, don't waste it," Biden said in an appeal to the country, which was telecast live. "You have to reform the whole prosecution and judiciary. Oligarchs should not be able to influence court and judges... corruption siphons resources from the people and from the economy, and you know it," Biden continued, warning people against corruption and unfair practices, according to Mashable.
"If you fail, the experiment fails," he said, reported The New York Times. "It's no exaggeration to say the hopes of freedom-loving people the world over are with you."
