US President Barack Obama congratulated his Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko and the people of Ukraine on the 24th anniversary of its independence and pledged to further support the country, Ukraine’s presidential website reported Sunday.
"Our two nations have worked together to support and protect the right of the Ukrainian people to freely choose their own path forward. As you work to implement critical reforms despite Russia's aggression in the east and occupation of Crimea, the United States will remain steadfast in its support for Ukraine," the US president noted.
Obama added that the friendship between the US and Ukraine will grow stronger as Kiev continues its efforts to develop democratic institutions and build up its economy.
Earlier, staff of the US embassy and American officials who visited Ukraine made short congratulatory videos.