KIEV, UKRAINE (CNN) - Defense Secretary James Mattis is slamming what he calls "Russian aggression," and vows ongoing American support for Ukraine after meeting with the country's leaders in Kiev on Thursday.
"We do not, and we will not, accept Russia's seizure of Crimea, and despite Russia's denials, we know they are seeking to redraw international borders by force, undermining the sovereign and free nations of Europe," Mattis said.
Mattis attended a Ukrainian independence day parade in the capital before sitting down with Ukraine's defense minister and president.
He also promised that the United States will continue to press Russia to honor its agreements to a cease-fire in Ukraine, and to allow international monitors into the region.
Mattis said sanctions will remain in place until Moscow reverses the actions that triggered them.
More than 9,000 people have died in the war in eastern Ukraine between Ukraine troops and Russian-backed rebel forces.
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