Ukraine News, Protests & Crisis: Barack Obama To Meet With Ukrainian Prime Minister at White House
President Barack Obama will allocate time on Wednesday to meet with Arseniy Yatsenyuk, the Prime Minister of Ukraine, according to The White House.
The meeting comes as tensions continue to rise between the East and West during an intensifying crisis in Ukraine over the region of Crimea. Russian forces have reportedly taken control of various points of the region, despite repeated warnings from the west, particularly the United States. Talks between Russia and the United States have reached a standstill but the U.S. is looking forward to the chance to communicate directly with leaders from Ukraine.
"The visit will highlight the strong support of the United States for the people of Ukraine, who have demonstrated inspiring courage and resilience through recent times of crisis," White House spokesperson Jay Carney said.
Yatsenyuk has been busy speaking and advocating for his people and his country.
"This is our land," Yatsenyuk said to a crowd of people in Kiev over the weekend. "Our fathers and grandfathers have spilled their blood for this land. And we won't budge a single centimeter from Ukrainian land. Let Russia and its president know this."
As Yatsenyuk prepares to head to the United States, many people wonder about just what exactly the meeting will be about.
"The President and Prime Minister Yatsenyuk will discuss how to find a peaceful resolution to Russia's ongoing military intervention in Crimea that would respect Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity," Carney also said. "They will also discuss support the international community can provide to help Ukraine confront its economic challenges, and the importance of uniting Ukraine and working to fulfill the aspirations of the Ukrainian people as they prepare for May presidential elections."
What do you think about the ongoing crisis in Ukraine? Do you think the upcoming meeting is a good idea or will it cause more issues between the United States and Russia? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.