Cheney to Ukraine: U.S. Supports Your Security

U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney has pledged U.S. support for Ukraine following last month's war between neighboring Russia and Georgia.

U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, left, is greeted upon arrival in Kiev, Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 4,...

U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, left, is greeted upon arrival in Kiev, Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008. U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney has arrived in Ukraine, as part of a tour of several ex-Soviet republics amid an escalating standoff with Russia over the war in Georgia. (AP Photo/Sergei Chuzavkov)

(AP)

Cheney says in remarks Friday that Ukrainians should be able to live "without the threat of tyranny, economic blackmail and military invasion or intimidation." He says the United States has a "deep and abiding interest" in Ukraine's security.

Cheney spoke after meeting with President Viktor Yushchenko. Cheney's visit to Ukraine and two other ex-Soviet republics signaled that the United States will continue cultivating close ties in the region.

That's even after Russia showed it was willing to use military force against countries along its border.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney met with top Ukrainian leaders Friday, calling their country's relationship with the United States "very important," as Washington sought to reassure its allies in former Soviet states following Russia's war with Georgia.

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Sitting down with Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, Cheney praised the changes he saw since he was last in Ukraine 20 years ago.

"There have been remarkable changes," he said. "My delegation and I are grateful for the hospitality. This is indeed a very important relationship between Kiev, Ukraine, and the United States."

Yushchenko, meanwhile, emphasized that he shared the United States' critical view of Russian military intervention in Georgia. Yushchenko has been among Russia's harshest critics in the aftermath of the five-day war last month.

"We value our strategic bilateral relationship highly," Yushchenko said. "On the majority of the issues, including Georgia, we have an understanding with the United States."

He added he believed the conflict over Georgia's two separatists regions could be resolved peacefully.

Earlier Friday, Cheney met with Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. According to Tymoshenko's aides, the two leaders discussed regional security and stability, as well as efforts to diversify energy supplies.