Relations between Ukraine and the USA by Софія Костенко

sofiiakostenko08 — 2023-12-21 17:21:01 UTC

After the Second World War, the center of Ukrainian political emigration moved from Central and Western Europe to the USA; the authorities of the UNR in exile are located in the country. In 1959, a resolution of the US Congress declared Ukraine an "enslaved nation." The author of the draft resolution was the president of the Ukrainian Congress Committee, Lev Dobryanskyi, later the US ambassador to the Bahamas.

1991–1993

sofiiakostenko08 — 2023-12-21 17:26:03 UTC

In 1991–1993, US President J. Bush spoke in Kyiv, expressing support for the USSR. This caused a reassessment of the priorities of Ukrainian-American relations. Initially, the USA blocked contacts with Ukraine, recognizing Russia as the sole legal successor of the USSR. However, Ukraine sought recognition as an equal partner.

In May 1992, the President of Ukraine L. Kravchuk visited the USA, signing a political declaration and a memorandum of understanding. The main issue — the nuclear-free status of Ukraine — caused tension. The US pressed for the ratification of the Treaty on the Limitation of Strategic and Offensive Arms and the NPT by mid-1993.

1993-1997

sofiiakostenko08 — 2023-12-21 17:43:12 UTC

B. Clinton's administration, coming to power in January 1993, faced the choice of continuing Bush's policy or reforming Ukrainian-American relations. Having chosen the second option, Clinton initiated a policy review regarding Ukraine. The actions of the US Congress in April 1993 emphasized the need to overcome the crisis of confidence.

On May 9, 1993, S. Talbot's delegation expressed the desire to start a new stage in relations with Ukraine. It is proposed to sign the Ukrainian-American Charter on partnership, friendship and cooperation. The Congress allocated financial aid to Ukraine in September 1993. The visit of State Secretary V. Christopher in October 1993 also contributed to the improvement of relations and coordination of cooperation with the GATT, IMF and IBRD. Ukraine was invited to the NATO Partnership for Peace program. However, later tension arose due to Ukraine's non-fulfillment of its obligations under the SNO-I treaty, complicating relations.

Disappointment of the West (1998–2000)

sofiiakostenko08 — 2023-12-21 17:50:00 UTC

Despite the achievement, it turned out to be not enough. The geostrategic importance of Ukraine for the West, in particular the USA, was changing. The American side understood that without the internal strengthening of Ukraine, its influence on the security of the region is limited. Despite talking about the "key role of Ukraine", Ukrainian leaders hoped for its Euro-Atlantic inclusion without active reforms.

The US was disappointed in the slowness of positive changes, investing heavily. The idea of "strategic partnership" no longer seemed effective. Ukraine did not create favorable conditions for foreign investments, and internal problems caused repulsion.

The event emphasized the need for "achievement rewards" instead of unconditional aid. Ukraine was compared with the troubled countries of the CIS. Its multi-vector nature turned out to be unpredictable, which caused dissatisfaction in the West. Blackmail at the state level and uncertainty in relations deepened the West's disappointment in Ukraine.

2001–2002

sofiiakostenko08 — 2023-12-21 17:54:35 UTC

When J. Bush came to power, he refused bilateral commissions with the vice president, and began to indicate a firm approach to Ukraine. The Bush presidency was less interested in internal issues and the geostrategic position of Ukraine. The visit of the high-ranking representative took place five months later. Attempts to convince Ukraine to imitate Poland in development were not successful. Bush's policy was more aimed at normalizing relations with Russia, reducing interest in Ukraine. Criticism of the internal situation in Ukraine and NATO's future plans were softened by talks about Ukraine's inclusion in the European structure. The strength of Ukrainian European aspirations still had to be proven.

2003–2009

sofiiakostenko08 — 2023-12-21 17:56:17 UTC

У 2003–2009 відносини між США та Україною зазнали змін. Пауза в дипломатичних контактах була помітна, але у квітні 2009 відбувся важливий візит першого заступника держсекретаря Дж. Стайнберга. Його зустріч з президентом України В. Ющенком визначила Україну як стратегічного партнера для США. Обговорювалися питання енергетики, торгівлі та безпеки. Влітку того ж року віце-президент США Дж. Байден відвідав Україну, досягнута домовленість про створення Українсько-Американської Комісії зі стратегічного партнерства.

2010–2012

sofiiakostenko08 — 2023-12-21 18:09:54 UTC

After Viktor Yanukovych's team came to power, Ukrainian-American relations cooled. The crisis worsened due to the arrest of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and her colleagues. In September 2012, the US Senate condemned the actions of the Yanukovych administration, demanding the immediate release of Tymoshenko and other political prisoners. The Senate also called on the OSCE to exert diplomatic pressure on Yanukovych and introduce visa restrictions for those responsible for Tymoshenko's imprisonment. In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine rejected the resolution, considering it declarative and unproductive.

2013−2018

sofiiakostenko08 — 2023-12-21 18:16:14 UTC

The US government and Congress criticized the repressive actions of President Yanukovych's administration during the suppression of the public movement for European integration in the fall and winter of 2013. The US Senate and State Department condemned the violence against the demonstrators. After the Revolution of Dignity, the United States provided comprehensive assistance to the new government and put Yanukovych on the sanctions list. On December 18, 2014, President Obama signed the "Law on Support of Freedom of Ukraine".

On April 20, 2015, the joint Ukrainian-American exercises "Fearless Guard 2015" began at the Yavoriv training ground. American experts are supposed to train about 900 servicemen of the National Guard, special forces and military units in six months.

On November 7, 2015, the opening ceremony of the Holodomor Memorial was held in Washington. Congressmen Levin and Kaptur, together with the wife of the President of Ukraine Marina Poroshenko, took part in the festivities. On the occasion of the opening of the monument, an exhibition dedicated to the Holodomor in Ukraine was opened.

2019 - 2023

sofiiakostenko08 — 2023-12-21 18:28:11 UTC

US support in connection with russian aggression: The US continued to provide political and military support to Ukraine in the context of the conflict in the east of the country, contributing to defense capabilities and providing military assistance.

Diplomatic efforts and partnership: Ukraine and the US have maintained diplomatic relations aimed at expanding cooperation in various fields, such as economy, energy, security, science and technology.

Support for reforms in Ukraine: The United States continued to actively support reforms in Ukraine, including anti-corruption measures, judicial reform, economic reforms, and other initiatives aimed at improving democracy and governance.

Joint military exercises: Military interactions and joint exercises between the US and Ukraine may have continued to increase military effectiveness and strengthen security in the region.

Ukraine's role in geopolitical issues: Ukraine, as a regional player, continued to interact with the US in solving geopolitical issues, such as relations with Russia, security in the Black and Azov seas, etc.

Energy and trade issues: The development of energy and trade cooperation may be one of the key topics in relations between the US and Ukraine.