Biden In Ukraine To Show Support As Tensions Rise

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden hopes to demonstrate the U.S. commitment to Ukraine by meeting with its leaders as they deal with their confrontation with Russia.

Biden arrived Monday for a two-day visit to the capital, Kiev. He has meetings Tuesday with the acting Ukrainian prime minister and president. He also is scheduled to meet with legislators and democracy activists before returning to Washington Tuesday night.

He plans to announce new technical support to the Ukrainian government to implement energy and economic reforms.

Despite a new agreement aimed at easing tensions, a shootout Sunday at a checkpoint in eastern Ukraine left at least three dead and Ukrainian and Russian officials trading accusations of blame.

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