The kudos came as no surprise to anyone in Brighton Beach, where Ukrainian women say they are known for their style and poise.

"He came, he saw and he told the truth," said Vlada Khmarska, 20, who lives in Odessa, Ukraine, and is visiting the U.S. for the summer. "Everyone who visits Ukraine says so - Ukrainian girls are beautiful."

"I think he nailed it," added Sasha Sobolyewa, 18, a Midwood High School senior. "The women there are beautiful - tall and lean."

Biden later met with Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, the willowy blond with Princess Leia-style braids who wowed world leaders when she burst onto the scene in 2001.

Ukrainian women are often stereotyped as statuesque blonds like Tymoshenko, but Oksana Romanova said their beauty is more than just physical.

They are also known for their warm hospitality, she said.

"It's the smile, it's charisma," said Romanova, 20, also visiting for the summer.

College student Marina Kovtunenko, 18, came to Brooklyn from Odessa with her parents as a baby.

Guys are constantly bombarding her with compliments about her Ukrainian heritage.

"I don't know if it's just a pickup line, but I hear it all the time," she said. "I think it's true."

Sobolyewa, who looked classy in high heels as she picked up a coffee in Brighton Beach, said it's second nature for Ukrainian women to look their best.

"It runs through your veins - you have to look good," she said. "They send out the message they know they look good."