WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden has discussed the crisis in Ukraine with the leaders of Montenegro and Slovakia.
Biden met at the White House on Tuesday with Montenegro’s prime minister, Milo Djukanovic (MEE’-loh djyoo-KAH’-noh-vihch). The White House says Biden and Djukanovic discussed the situation in the Balkans as well as Russia’s pressure on Ukraine.
Biden praised Montenegro for making progress toward joining NATO and said the U.S. supports Montenegro’s aspirations to form closer ties with Europe.
The White House says Biden also spoke by phone Tuesday with Prime Minister Robert Fico of Slovakia. The leaders discussed concerns about Russia violating Ukraine’s sovereignty and upcoming elections in Ukraine.
Biden thanked Slovakia for helping Ukraine diversify its energy supply. Western nations see that as key to reducing Europe’s dependence on Russian gas.
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