Ukrainian President seeks US support over Russian aggression

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is to visit the US to seek further support to tackle what he describes as Russian aggression. 

Mr Poroshenko will hold talks with President Barack Obama before addressing a joint session of Congress. 

Ukraine accuses Russia of supporting rebels in parts of the country, a situation Moscow denies.

More than 3,000 people have died in fighting between Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian rebels in the Eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions since April. 

A fragile ceasefire agreed on 5th September is holding, despite accusations of shelling by both sides.

During the state visit, President Petro Poroshenko is expected to push for closer political and economic ties between the former Soviet republic and the West, and also press for military assistance from the US to help defend Ukraine.

Both the US and the EU have recently imposed a new round of sanctions against Russia for its role in the Ukraine crisis.

BBC