“Ukraine, Georgia, and all other states in Europe have the right to choose the best futures for their people – including through their work and aspiration to join the Euro-Atlantic community and NATO,” said the U.S. Department of State.

According to the statement, “over the past three decades, Russia has invaded three neighboring countries – Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova – interfered in elections, used chemical weapons to attempt assassinations both on foreign soil and domestically (Skripal, Navalny), and violated international arms control agreements.”

“The United States reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, extending to its territorial waters. The U.S.-Ukraine relationship serves as a cornerstone for security, democracy, and human rights in Ukraine and the broader region. We will continue to support Ukraine in its efforts to advance its Euro-Atlantic aspirations and to restore and secure Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders,” the statement reads.

The United States and Ukraine share a common desire for a hopeful and bright future for all Ukrainians. We stand enduringly with the Ukrainian people and remain committed to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Learn more: https://t.co/PNOQXgXOQa

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) January 18, 2022

The statement comes prior to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s trip to Kyiv, Ukraine, where he will meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba today to reinforce the United States’ commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

On January 20, Secretary Blinken will travel to Berlin, Germany to discuss recent diplomatic engagements with Russia and joint efforts to deter further Russian aggression against Ukraine.

The Secretary will then travel to Geneva, Switzerland, on January 21 to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to engage on areas of bilateral concern and urge Russia to take steps to de-escalate and remove its troops along Ukraine’s border, the US Department of State said.

I’m traveling to Kyiv and Berlin, where I will meet with our partners and allies, before meeting with my Russian counterpart in Geneva. This is a diplomatic effort to de-escalate tensions surrounding the unprovoked Russian military build-up on Ukraine’s borders. pic.twitter.com/dAP2nkrXfK

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) January 18, 2022