U.S. Vice President Biden Backs Ukraine And Warns Russia

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden (L) and Ukraine's Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk attend a media briefing in Kiev April 22, 2014. Credit: REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko

U.S. Backs Ukraine, Warns Russia With Biden Visit -- Reuters

* Biden visit to Kiev offers support, caution to Kiev
* Demands Russia cooperate, threatens further sanctions
* U.S. aid for "historic" Ukrainian election on May 25
* Biden tells Kiev leaders to fight "cancer of corruption"

KIEV, April 22 (Reuters) - In a show of U.S. support for Ukraine's embattled government, Vice President Joe Biden delivered an aid package on Tuesday and demanded Russia back off but also warned Kiev it must tackle the "cancer of corruption".

Demanding Moscow "stop talking and start acting" to disarm pro-Russian separatists who Ukraine says aim to undermine the May 25 election, Biden told presidential candidates it may be "the most important election in Ukrainian history".

Part of the $50-million aid package was earmarked to support the "integrity" of the vote. But after 23 years of post-Soviet independence from Moscow that have seen endemic graft sap the economy and public faith in the state, Biden told lawmakers: "To be very blunt ... you have to fight the cancer of corruption."

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More News On U.S. Vice President Biden Backing Ukraine And Warning Russia

With Sharp Rebuke to Russia, Biden Offers Strong Support to Ukraine -- New York Times
In Kiev, Biden pledges support for fair election, help to weather economic pressure -- Washington Post
Biden to Ukraine: 'You will not walk this road alone -- CNN
In Kiev, Biden Tells Russia To Pull Back -- Forbes
Biden Vows Support for Ukraine as Deal With Russia Frays -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Biden: Russia must ‘stop talking and start acting’ -- Washington Post/AP
Joe Biden Warns Russia to Pull Back Forces From Ukraine Border -- WSJ
Biden warns on Ukraine as Russia dismisses sanctions threat -- Reuters

My Comment: I am not a fan of U.S. Senator John McCain .... but for once he is right .... John McCain mocks Joe Biden: 'Or else what?' -- Politico