US Vice President Joe Biden warned Russia today that "it's time to stop talking and start acting" to reduce tension in Ukraine, offering a show of support for the besieged nation as an international agreement aimed at stemming its ongoing crisis appeared in doubt.
Standing alongside acting Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Biden called on Moscow to encourage pro-Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine to vacate government buildings and checkpoints, accept amnesty and "address their grievances politically."
Biden said Russia needs to act "without delay," adding, "We will not allow this to become an open-ended process." Yatsenyuk was harsher in his characterisation of Russia. "No country should be able to behave like an armed bandit," he said.
"Russia should stick to its international commitments and obligations. They should not behave as gangsters in the modern century."
The warnings for Russia from both leaders demonstrated the fragility of last week's multinational agreement. Biden also announced the United States will provide an additional USD 50 million to help Ukraine's beleaguered government with political and economic reforms.
The money includes USD 11 million to help conduct the May 25 presidential election, including voter education, administration and oversight. It also will help fund expert teams from US government agencies to help Ukraine to reduce its reliance on energy supplies from Russia. Other technical advisers will help fight corruption.
The White House also announced USD 8 million in nonlethal military assistance for the Ukrainian armed forces, including bomb-disposal equipment, communications gear and vehicles.
In the most high-level visit of a US official since the crisis erupted, Biden met privately with Yatsenyuk and acting Ukrainian President Oleksandr Turchynov.
