 The United States has been a long time supporter of Ukraine. We have supported the independence and sovereignty of this country since it became independent from the Soviet Union in 1991. We have worked hard here at this embassy and our military forces have worked hard to build ties to the people of Ukraine in every sphere, including the military sphere. I am pleased this week that we have a number of exercises underway which will bring our militaries closer and closer together. This is something that's of advantage to both of our countries and I think builds the kind of people-to-people ties as well as military professionalism that is so important in this modern world.