US State Department officially comments on Obama's words about Ukraine

"The President [Obama- ed.] was referring in his remarks to Russia’s previous long-term efforts to bolster the regime of former President Yanukovych as a way to prevent Ukraine from pursuing further integration with Europe, and its current occupation of Crimea, extensive efforts to support armed groups operating in eastern Ukraine, and other efforts to destabilize the country," the statement says. Also, it notes that over the past two years "the United States has worked closely with our European and international partners to help Ukraine defend its democracy and territorial integrity." U.S. State Department has assured that Washington "remains firmly committed to helping the Ukrainian people build a country that is peaceful, prosperous, and free to chart its own destiny." As reported earlier, U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday night delivered the annual address to U.S. Congress on the situation in the nation. In particular, he said: "Even as their economy severely contracts, Russia is pouring resources in to prop up Ukraine and Syria - client states they saw slipping away from their orbit." The interpretation of this statement made by the U.S. President has given rise to questions in the expert community and lively discussions.