Vice president Joe Biden hopes to demonstrate the US commitment to Ukraine by meeting with its leaders as they deal with their confrontation with Russia.

Mr Biden arrived on Monday for a two-day visit to the capital Kiev.

He has meetings on Tuesday with the acting Ukrainian prime minister and president.

Mr Biden is also scheduled to meet with legislators and democracy activists before returning to Washington on Tuesday night.

He plans to announce new technical support to the Ukrainian government to implement energy and economic reforms.

Despite a new agreement aimed at easing tensions, a shoot-out on Sunday at a checkpoint in eastern Ukraine left at least three dead and Ukrainian and Russian officials trading accusations of blame.

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