UKRAINIAN President Petro Poroshenko has started a key visit to the US to seek further support to tackle what he describes as Russian aggression.
He visited the state department in Washington for talks with Secretary of State John Kerry and will also hold talks with US President Barack Obama before addressing a joint session of Congress.
Mr Poroshenko travelled to the US from Canada where he received a rapturous welcome usually reserved for sports stars from Canadian lawmakers.
He thanked the country for helping save lives in the battle with Russian-speaking rebels.
Canada last month promised to provide Kiev with helmets and bullet-proof vests to help it secure the unstable eastern region, scene of heavy fighting.
Around 1.2 million of Canada's 35 million population are of Ukrainian descent. The Conservative government has taken a hard line with Russia, repeatedly accusing it of trying to destabilize the country by backing the rebels.
In a speech interrupted by cheers, applause and the occasional standing ovation, Mr Poroshenko told a special session of the Canadian Parliament Ottawa's support had been crucial.
He said: "As the commander-in-chief, as a Ukrainian, and as the father of a soldier I thank Canada for each life that is being saved today in the Ukrainian Donbass (region) by the bullet-proof vests or helmets you gave to us."
Mr Poroshenko at times looked overwhelmed by the warmth of the reception. After he finished speaking he gave Foreign Minister John Baird a big hug.
As well as Canadian best wishes, Mr Poroshenko also received some concrete aid in the form of a £110 million five-year loan. Mr Poroshenko told Canadian MPs he wanted the two countries to complete a proposed free-trade deal.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper had first promised a loan in March but the deal was held up by concerns about Ukrainian corruption which Kiev has vowed to tackle.
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