“On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Ukraine as you celebrate the 24th anniversary of your independence,” Kerry wrote in a message, released by the State Department in Washington.
In his message John Kerry recalled the Act of Independence the Verhovna Rada approved in 1991.
"Despite enormous difficulties, you have made remarkable progress towards [independence]. You stood up to do battle with the oppressive regime, corrupt bureaucracy and aggressive neighbor — all in the name of a free, democratic and prosperous future," the message read.
This resistance won Ukraine "friends and fans worldwide, as well as among them in the United States."
"I am confident that the friendship between our two countries will continue to grow," Kerry wrote and promised to work together with the Kiev government "to achieve the cessation of the conflict and bloodshed through the full implementation of the Minsk protocols.”
