On December 30, 2016 McCain, Graham, and Klobuchar traveled to Ukraine, no doubt to undermine President-elect Trump who was to take office in three weeks. They were welcomed by Porochenko and our Amb Yovanovitch. A press release from our Embassy in Kiev described the visit as follows:
President Petro Poroshenko had a meeting with the delegation of the U.S. Senate headed by Senator John McCain. The delegation included Senators Lindsey Graham and Amy Klobuchar. The President awarded Senator John McCain with the Order of Freedom and presented the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise to Senator Lindsey Graham for their significant personal contribution to the enhancement of relations between Ukraine and USA.
The Head of State emphasized the importance of traditional bipartisan support for Ukraine in the U.S. Congress and noted that the delegation included representatives of both parties. This confirms that such support will further remain in the struggle against the aggression of Russia, preservation of sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine.
“It is crucially important that our people, Parliament, Government stand side-by-side with the American people in this struggle. We feel this reliable support and assistance. This is extremely important in such difficult days for my country,” the President said.
The President offered Senators to visit Donbas and get objective information about subversive actions of the Russian party and its militants that continue provocations and violate the ceasefire regime.
Petro Poroshenko noted the importance of adopting the law on the support for stability and democracy in Ukraine by the U.S. Congress, which would be an important decision in the interests of solidarity and unity with our country.
The Head of State also said that Ukraine was fighting not only for its independence. “We are fighting for freedom, values, democracy and defend them in the center of Europe in the XXI century,” he stressed.
The President informed the U.S. Senators on the course of reforms in Ukraine and emphasized the important role of the U.S. in that process.
In his turn, Senator John McCain confirmed his determination to assist Ukraine in its struggle against the aggression of Russia.
The parties noted the importance of continuing efforts to ensure the fulfillment of Russia’s commitments under the Minsk agreements and maintain the policy of international sanctions against Russia until full restoration of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, including Crimea.
