WASHINGTON, August 22. /TASS/. US Secretary of State John Kerry has offered his "warmest congratulations" to the Ukrainian people who will mark the anniversary of independence on August 24.

"The United States has been a steadfast partner and friend of Ukraine since your Parliament approved the Act of Independence on this date in 1991," the US top diplomat says in a statement quoted by the State Department press service.

For two dozen years, Washington has supported the Ukrainians’ efforts "to build a strong, stable, and democratic country," the statement reads.

Despite huge challenges, Ukraine has made "remarkable strides toward this goal" and "stood up to a despotic regime" and "a corrupt bureaucracy," all in the name of "a free, democratic, and prosperous future," Kerry says.

The US particularly supports Ukraine’s "firm commitment to internal reform."

"I am confident that the friendship between our two countries will continue to grow," the US Secretary of State says.

Washington and Kiev will together "seek an end to conflict and bloodshed through full implementation of the Minsk Protocols."

"And together, we will ensure that Ukraine is free to continue the important work of strengthening its political, economic, and cultural institutions," Kerry says.