Washington backs Ukraine's European choice - U.S. senior diplomat
MOSCOW. Dec 10 (Interfax) - Washington has called on Moscow to influence a peaceful settlement in Ukraine and has reiterated its support of Ukraine's European choice.
"Assistant Secretary Nuland expressed U.S. deep concern about the situation in Ukraine, and urged Russia to use its influence to press for peace, human dignity and a political solution," the U.S. Embassy in Russia said in a statement following U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland's visit to Moscow that was obtained by Interfax.
"Assistant Secretary Nuland made clear to Russian counterparts that the U.S supports Ukraine's European choice, a non-violent and just political resolution to the current standoff, and a return to economic health with the support of the International Monetary Fund," the statement reads.
Special assistant to the U.S. president and senior director for Russia and Central Asia Celeste Wallander accompanied Nuland on her visit to Russia. The two met with Russian deputy foreign ministers Sergei Ryabkov and Alexei Meshkov, presidential aide Yury Ushakov and civil society leaders.
"In productive bilateral meetings with Russian government officials, the sides discussed economic relations, issues on the bilateral arms control and security agenda and people-to-people contacts," the statement reads.