WASHINGTON, Jan. 17 – The United States welcomes Ukraine's achievements over the past year, Director of the U.S. Department of State's Press Office Jeff Rathke said at a press briefing.

"The current government remains committed to advancing important reforms, despite ongoing violence in eastern Ukraine. These steps include last year's free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections, the signing of an association agreement with the European Union, and a focus on anti-corruption efforts, including this week's move by Ukraine's parliament to increase the independence of the judiciary," he said.