US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reassured Ukraine that the possibility of joining NATO was still available, despite the country's new leadership no longer prioritizing alliance membership. Clinton also emphasized that the United States supported Ukraine's closer relations with Moscow and criticized those who tried to force Ukraine to choose between Russia and the West. She encouraged President Viktor Yanukovich to continue on a democratic path and expressed concerns about reports of media freedoms being restricted. Clinton urged the Ukrainian government to protect these essential freedoms during a joint news conference with Yanukovich. She supported Ukraine's efforts to secure a new International Monetary Fund program worth up to $19 billion and urged the country to improve its investment climate through economic reforms, anti-corruption measures, and upholding the rule of law. Clinton did not openly criticize the pro-Russian actions of newly-elected Yanukovich, aligning with the Obama administration's policy of improving relations with Moscow. Despite reducing ties with the U.S.-led military alliance, Yanukovich has strengthened Ukraine's ties with Moscow by increasing commercial relations and extending the Russian navy's presence in a Ukrainian port for 25 years. Clinton emphasized Ukraine's sovereignty and right to choose its own alliances, including potentially joining NATO, but ultimately leaving the decision up to Ukraine for its own security interests. Yanukovich has decided to no longer pursue NATO membership, which has pleased Moscow. He stated that Ukraine will not join any military alliances, but will continue to work with NATO on defense reform and peace-keeping. Clinton commended Ukraine's efforts to balance relationships with the US, EU, and Russia. She also praised Yanukovich's pragmatic approach of looking towards both Russia and the West, as well as Ukraine's efforts to stabilize its economy with support from global financial institutions. Clinton also praised Yanukovich's election in February as a significant advancement for Ukraine's democracy. She later encountered his main opponent, former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who is now in opposition and may have a contrasting perspective. Tymoshenko, who is facing potential prosecution for purported wrongdoings during her time in office, contested Yanukovich's election but ultimately withdrew a legal effort to prevent his inauguration. The only topic where Clinton nearly reproached Yanukovich was regarding media freedoms and democratic rights. Recently, US Ambassador to Kiev John Tefft voiced worry about allegations of intimidation towards journalists since Yanukovich assumed power. She emphasized the importance of freedom of speech, press, petitioning governments, assembly, and political participation as fundamental rights of every individual. Clinton discussed how she addressed these concerns with Yanukovich, highlighting his previous commitments to democracy, rule of law, and human rights. She acknowledged that words alone are not enough to bring about change and emphasized the need for concrete actions to follow such statements. Clinton is embarking on a regional tour of five countries, with her first stop being in Krakow, Poland, for a meeting of the Community of Democracies, an organization that advocates for democratic principles. She will also be traveling to Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia.