WASHINGTON
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden will depart for Kiev, capital of Ukraine to meet government leaders and members on Monday.
Biden will meet with Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Ukraine’s acting President Oleksandr Turchynov, and key legislators representing different political parties and regions, according to the White House's statement.
He will discuss with the Ukrainian leaders the international community’s efforts to help stabilize and strengthen Ukraine’s economy and to assist Ukraine in moving forward on constitutional reform, decentralization, anti-corruption efforts, and free and fair presidential elections on May 25th.
The crisis in Ukraine began in November after Ukraine’s former president Viktor Yanukovych opted to ditch a trade deal with the EU in favor of closer ties with Russia. Subsequent protests culminated in his ouster in February.
Biden will also consult on the latest developments in eastern Ukraine and on steps to enhance Ukraine’s short and long-term energy security.
The Vice President will later meet with Ukrainian civil society leaders to discuss the key role non-governmental organizations play in strengthening Ukraine’s democratic institutions.
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