Ukrainian PM to visit White House

President Barack Obama has invited Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk to the White House, Deputy National Security Adviser Tony Blinken said Sunday. The White House subsequently said that the premier will indeed come.

Blinken listed the invitation as part of numerous efforts Obama has made to support Ukraine, and he said on NBC's "Meet the Press" that inviting Yatsenyuk to the White House on Wednesday is "to further demonstrate that support and to consult with him."

Blinken dismissed the idea that the U.S. has little influence over Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also said that Obama, in addition to putting together a major international support package, has mobilized the international community to isolate Russia, which Blinken says has led financial markets in Russia to hit lows.

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"All of that is exacting a real cost and a real consequence," Blinken said.

Vice President Joe Biden spoke to Yatsenyuk last month to emphasize U.S. support.

Here is the official White House statement on Yatsenyuk's visit:

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"President Obama will welcome Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk of Ukraine to the White House on March 12. The visit will highlight the strong support of the United States for the people of Ukraine, who have demonstrated inspiring courage and resilience through recent times of crisis. The President and Prime Minister Yatsenyuk will discuss how to find a peaceful resolution to Russia’s ongoing military intervention in Crimea that would respect Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity. They will also discuss support the international community can provide to help Ukraine confront its economic challenges, and the importance of uniting Ukraine and working to fulfill the aspirations of the Ukrainian people as they prepare for May presidential elections."