Impeachment trial hasn't dampened U.S. support for Ukraine

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U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo emphasised Washington's support for Ukraine on a visit to Kiev on Friday (January 31),

as both countries sought to smooth over relations tested by the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.

Pompeo appeared at a news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy

and did his best to remove any doubt about White House support for the country.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE, MIKE POMPEO, SAYING:

"Today I'm here with a clear message: the United States sees that the Ukrainian struggle for freedom, democracy, and prosperity is a valiant one. Our commitment to support it will not waver.

Pompeo is the highest-ranking U.S. official to travel to Ukraine since Washington's political crisis began.

Zelenskiy, whose one phone call with Trump became the centre of the impeachment proceedings also played down any suggestions of a rift.

(SOUNDBITE) (Ukrainian) UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT, VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY, SAYING:

"When we speak with the USA, there is always a question about the impeachment of President Trump. It seems to me honestly that, on the contrary, there are very good relations between our countries, not just in words. The U.S. supports and defends Ukraine. It is true. They support our territorial integrity."

Continuing on the charm offensive,

Pompeo added there would be no conditions preventing President Zelenskiy from visiting Washington and that they were working on a suitable time in the future to make it happen.