U.S. reaffirms its support for Ukraine ahead of Normandy Four Summit

December 8, 2019 (UNIAN) The United States is committed to working with its Allies and partners to keep pressure on Russia to live up to its commitments and to begin the process of peacefully restoring Ukraine's full sovereignty over Donbas. The United States has reaffirmed its support for Ukraine ahead of the Normandy Four Summit in Paris on December 9. "The United States reaffirms our unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the lead up to the Normandy Format Summit. The United States is committed to working with our Allies and partners to keep pressure on Russia to live up to its commitments and to begin the process of peacefully restoring Ukraine's full sovereignty over Donbas," the U.S. said in a statement posted by the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine on Facebook. According to the statement, since 2014, the United States has provided a total of $3 billion in security and non-security assistance funds that support a broad range of Ukrainian institutions and organizations.

"Our programs have helped to launch crucial initiatives related to law enforcement, the fight against corruption, judicial reform, military reform and building democratic institutions. This assistance is administered according to U.S. laws and is regularly audited by U.S. inspectors general," reads the report. "We have consistently said that Ukraine's long-term success and resilience depends on its commitment to reform, in particular the fight against corruption. To succeed, Ukraine needs committed government officials and strong anti-corruption institutions." "We will stand with Ukraine as it fights the Russians, strengthens the rule of law, creates a healthier investment climate, reforms its defense sector, fights disinformation, and takes the steps necessary to ensure the final victory of those aligned on the side of justice and dignity," the statement says. As UNIAN reported earlier, the leaders of the Normandy Four states – Ukraine, France, Germany, and Russia – are scheduled to meet in Paris, France, on December 9.