LOC01:21
22:21 GMT
WASHINGTON, July 21 (KUNA) -- US President Joe Biden will meet at the White House on August 30 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the White House announced Wednesday.
Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement that visit will affirm the US' "unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression in the Donbas and Crimea, our close cooperation on energy security, and our backing for President Zelenskyy's efforts to tackle corruption and implement a reform agenda based on our shared democratic values."
Meanwhile, the governments of the US and Germany said in a joint statement that the two countries are "united in their determination to hold Russia to account for its aggression and malign activities by imposing costs via sanctions and other tools.
"Should Russia attempt to use energy as a weapon or commit further aggressive acts against Ukraine, Germany will take action at the national level and press for effective measures at the European level, including sanctions, to limit Russian export capabilities to Europe in the energy sector, including gas," the joint statement stressed.
It added "this commitment is designed to ensure that Russia will not misuse any pipeline, including Nord Stream 2, to achieve aggressive political ends by using energy as a weapon>"
The joint statement noted "the United States and Germany are united in their belief that it is in Ukraine's and Europe's interest for gas transit via Ukraine to continue beyond 2024.
"In line with this belief, Germany commits to utilize all available leverage to facilitate an extension of up to 10 years to Ukraine's gas transit agreement with Russia, including appointing a special envoy to support those negotiations, to begin as soon as possible and no later than September 1. The United States commits to fully support these efforts," the statement affirmed.
Furthermore, the statement said that Germany and the US "will endeavor to promote and support investments of at least USD one billion in the Green Fund for Ukraine, including from third parties such as private-sector entities. Germany will provide an initial donation to the fund of at least USD 175 million and will work toward extending its commitments in the coming budget years". (end)
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