Ukraine Leader Visits White House, Seeking Aid

President Barack Obama is meeting with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in the Oval Office Thursday to address the crisis in Ukraine.

In his first visit to the White House since his election last May, Poroshenko is seeking stronger U.S. military assistance to help Ukraine's fight against Russian-backed rebels.

The United States has provided about $60 million in non-lethal aid, such as bullet proof vests and night vision glasses, to Ukraine's military, but Obama has so far resisted requests for more substantial assistance.

White House officials said Poroshenko's visit is aimed in part at sending a message to Russia about the West's backing of Ukraine.

Poroshenko received a warm welcome in Ottawa Wednesday by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who said Canada would never recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea or any other part of Ukraine.

Canadian parliamentarians gave Poroshenko a standing ovation and promised to continue to support him and his government.