‘USA’ chants welcome Biden to Ukraine

Vice President Biden and U.S. officials attending inaugural events honoring Ukraine’s new leader were warmly greeted as they walked the streets of Kiev.

After Petro Poroshenko was sworn into office on Saturday, Biden and Sen. McCain (R-Ariz.) ditched the presidential motorcade and opted to walk to the new president’s reception when crowds lined the streets cheering, “thank you” and “USA.” 

Members of the delegation include: Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt, Daniel B. Baer, ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Victoria Nuland, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs.

{mosads}Biden greeted everyone he encountered as he and other presidential delegation members walked the red carpet leading to the ceremony.

“How are you? You’re a handsome boy. I’d like to borrow that tie,” Biden told a young boy, according to a White House pool report. He also said hello to several officials and introduced McCain, saying, “You know my friend the senator.”

Poroshenko and Biden spoke for a few minutes at the reception.

“Mr. President, congratulations,” Biden said before posing for photos. McCain embraced the chocolate tycoon-turned president with a hug.

 “It’s wonderful to stand with you,” Murphy told the new president.