United States Stands With People Of Ukraine, Says Secretary Kerry

The United States and European Union stand with the people of the Ukraine as they fight to choose their own alliances, separate from Russia, Secretary of State John Kerry said.

A lot has happened in the last week in the Ukraine. The President and his cabinet have resigned amid violent daily protests, a controversial anti-protest law has been abolished, and the President has signed on an unpopular amnesty bill for anti-government protesters.

While speaking at the Munich Security Conference in Germany Kerry said:

“Nowhere is the fight for a democratic, European future more important today than in Ukraine.”

“While there are unsavory elements in any chaotic situation, the vast majority of Ukrainians want to live freely in a safe, prosperous country. They are fighting for the right to associate with partners who will help them realize their aspirations — and they have decided that means their futures do not have to lie with one country alone.”

“The United States and EU stand with the people of Ukraine in that fight.”

Protesters have overtaken Kiev’s Independence Square — known as Maidan Nezalezhnosti, since November, after President Viktor Yanukovych turned to Russia instead of the European Union signing a long-awaited trade deal with the communist country.

All attempts to crack down on the protesters have been in vain, and have fueled anti-government groups to stand strong.

United States Secretary of State Kerry also had a warning for Russia, who has accused the European Union of meddling in Ukraine’s internal affairs, while positioning themselves as a close ally:

“Russia and other countries should not view the European integration of their neighbors as a zero-sum game.”

“In fact, the lesson of the last half-century is that we can accomplish much more when the United States, Russia and Europe work together. But make no mistake: We will continue to speak out when our interests or values are undercut by any country in the region.”

For his part, Russia’s Foreign Minister slammed the United States and European Union for supporting the Ukrainian opposition, suggesting on Saturday that it only helps fuel the escalation of violence.

The past two months have been difficult ones in Ukraine, after peaceful protests turned violent when the new anti-protest law was passed and furthermore, two protesters were killed by gun shots, which police insist was not their doing.

The United States Secretary of State added America was not going to shy away from calling out “a disturbing trend in too many parts of Central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans” where people’s aspirations “are once again being trampled beneath corrupt, oligarchic interests.”

Following his remarks Kerry met with three Ukrainian opposition leaders, the United States’ State Department said.