Ukraine Celebrates Anniversary of Protests that Sparked Revolution
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iStock/Thinkstock(KIEV, Ukraine) — Ukraine on Friday is celebrating one year since the first student-led protests kicked off in the country, sparking a revolution that toppled the government and led to a stand-off with Russian-backed separatists in the east.
Vice President Joe Biden, visiting Ukraine on Friday, reiterated the United States’ support for the country’s sovereignty in the face of an encroaching Russia.
“It’s simply unacceptable in the 21st century for countries to accept to redraw borders by force in Europe or anywhere for that matter,” he said.
Biden said the U.S. is prepared to increase sanctions on Russia and support Ukrainian sovereignty, but the government must work towards better integrating Russian-speaking minorities.
“We’re looking for opportunities to improve Ukraine’s business climate and increase trade and investment. But it all depends on following through on the reforms which have begun,” he said.
During his time in Ukraine, Biden met with the country’s newly elected prime minister. The vice president was also scheduled to lay a wreath but pulled out of the ceremony over security concerns.
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