Sen. John McCain to Ukrainian protesters: 'This is your moment'

  • 11 years ago
ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)

U.S. Senator John McCain told thousands of Ukrainian protesters camped on Kiev's main square on Sunday (December 15) that Ukraine's destiny lay in Europe and that it would make Europe better.

Senators John McCain and Christopher Murphy both took to the stage.

"I am a Republican, Senator Murphy is a Democrat - we are here together speaking for the American people in solidarity with you," McCain said.

"Ukraine will make Europe better, and Europe will make Ukraine better," McCain said to crowds protesting against President Viktor Yanukovich's U-turn in trade policy away from Europe towards Russia.

"People of Ukraine, this is your moment...The free world is with you. America is with you. I am with you." McCain, a leading Republican voice on U.S. foreign policy, told the crowd.

Thousands massed on Sunday for a rally against Yanukovich just days before he heads for a meeting at the Kremlin which the opposition fears will s