The United States is ready to provide tangible support to Ukraine if the country makes progress on the road to signing the Association Agreement with the EU, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt has said.

"If the Ukrainian government decides to move further towards the signing of this agreement, then I'm confident that the U.S. will provide strong support," he said at a press conference in Dnipropetrovsk on Wednesday.

He said that the signing of the agreement promises great prospects for Ukraine.

Pyatt also noted that there is concern due to certain challenges during the transition to European standards. At the same time, the diplomat said he was impressed with what he sees in Ukraine: "I have repeatedly said that I am greatly impressed with what I see in Ukraine. It has major potential in terms of its people, geography and resources."

He said the signing of the agreement with the EU is the best way to realize this potential.

He also said that while visiting Dnipropetrovsk region and meeting with businessmen, he was not planning to persuade anyone of anything, but will "talk about opportunities, how best to use them, and how the U.S. can help [Ukraine] take advantage of these opportunities."

The diplomat said he was also impressed with trade between the United States and Dnipropetrovsk region, which amounted to nearly $1 billion.

Pyatt arrived on a two-day visit to Dnipropetrovsk region. He has already met with the leadership of the region.