The Foreign Secretary, William Hague, said:
Ukraine Moldova Georgia
I am visiting Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia this week to show our support for these nations. In addition I shall attend a Council of Europe meeting in Vienna which will discuss Ukraine.
Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia have all made great efforts to build free societies and they deserve our backing. In each case, they need to carry out substantial reforms, especially in tackling corruption.
Clearly Ukraine is under immense pressure from Russian attempts to destabilise the country, provoke violence and, it seems, prevent elections happening later this month.
The Ukrainian people want what people everywhere want: to live in a free country where the law applies fairly to everyone, a Ukraine where people have a chance to build decent lives.
I will urge the Ukrainian government to carry forward much-needed reform, and assure them of practical help from Britain.
I will discuss Ukraine’s plan for elections on 25 May, and meet the leading Presidential candidates to hear their views on how best to ensure Ukraine’s long-term future as a successful, independent, united, and sovereign nation.
