Obama Offers Ukraine Additional $5 Million In Aid

U.S. President Barack Obama, right, shakes hands with Ukraine president-elect Petro Poroshenko in Warsaw, Poland, Wednesday, June 4, 2014. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
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WARSAW, Poland (AP) — President Barack Obama held up 25 years of Polish democracy as a beacon for neighboring Ukraine in a public celebration Wednesday, warning Russia that the free world is united against its “dark tactics” to violate Ukraine’s sovereignty.

“We stand together because we believe that people and nations have the right to determine their own destiny — that includes the people of Ukraine,” Obama said before a crowd that spilled into the streets before Royal Castle, a symbol of Polish independence.

“Our free nations will stand united so that further Russian provocations will only mean more isolation and costs for Russia,” Obama said. “Because after investing so much blood and treasure to bring Europe together, we refuse to allow the dark tactics of the 20th century to define the 21st.”

Obama spoke just after holding his first extended meeting with Ukrainian President-Elect Petro Poroshenko, who is slated to be inaugurated Saturday. Obama praised the billionaire candy maker as a “wise selection” and said he was impressed by Poroshenko’s business expertise and confident in his ability to handle Ukraine’s formidable economic and political challenges.

Obama offered Poroshenko $5 million in assistance for Ukraine’s military, including body armor, night vision goggles and communications equipment as it continues to suffer casualties in its confrontation with pro-Russian insurgents in the country’s east. More significant than the dollar amount was the nature of the new aid. Until now, the U.S. had only provided other nonlethal forms of aid like clothes, food and radios instead of tools that will help them in their battle against the separatists.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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