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The U.S. is giving Ukraine a $1 billion loan package, offering technical support
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In a show of support for Ukraine's fledgling new government, the U.S. announced today that it's giving Ukraine $1 billion in loans, and offering technical support. A senior State Department official said the package would be used to help counteract the reduction of energy subsidies from Russia. Part of the deal includes sending experts to Ukraine's financial ministry to offer advice on fighting corruption and training monitors for its upcoming elections.
The announcement came as U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry landed in Kiev on Tuesday to show support for the new government. Western leaders like Kerry are blasting Russia's military invasion of Crimea, and have threatened Moscow with harsh economic sanctions if it doesn't back down.