The US State Department has named the main goal of the Blinken visit.
According to a press release from the US State Department, the main goal of the visit of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Ukraine is to show support for the “sovereignty and territorial integrity” of Ukraine.
However, while the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine is underscored in the document, there is also a subtle part about the reform process in Ukraine, which is more than likely to be a harsh talk for the Ukrainian leadership.
“Building institutions with integrity and ensuring accountable governance in both state institutions and in the corporate sector is the key to Ukraine achieving its Euro-Atlantic aspirations and building a prosperous, secure, and democratic future,” the press release reads.
While the readout is diplomatic, it also clearly states that it is “key” for Ukraine to achieve the “Euro-Atlantic” goals; NATO and EU membership. Translated from the diplomatic language of the press release, this “building institutions with integrity and ensuring accountable governance” is more a demand than a topic of conversation.
In addition to that, the United States also “stands with Ukraine” in the fight against corruption and in the attempt to advance rule of law and the judicial reforms. The full list of subjects are found here:
U.S.-Ukraine Relations
- The United States strongly supports Ukraine’s efforts to achieve its Euro-Atlantic aspirations and build a prosperous, secure, and democratic future for all Ukrainians.
Russian Aggression in Ukraine
- The United States is deeply concerned about Russia’s ongoing aggressive actions and rhetoric targeting Ukraine, including the increased Russian troop presence in occupied Crimea and around Ukraine’s borders.
- The United States continues to monitor the situation closely and to coordinate with Ukrainian officials, Allies, and partners. We commend Ukraine for its ongoing restraint and have made clear in our engagement with Moscow that Russia needs to refrain from escalatory actions.
- Crimea is Ukraine. The United States does not, nor will we ever, recognize Russia’s purported annexation of the Crimean Peninsula. We call on Russia to return full control of the peninsula to Ukraine.
- Donbas is Ukraine. Russia must uphold its commitments under the Minsk agreements and work in good faith to end the conflict in eastern Ukraine and restore Ukrainian sovereignty.
Reforms
- Building institutions with integrity and ensuring accountable governance in both state institutions and in the corporate sector is the key to Ukraine achieving its Euro-Atlantic aspirations and building a prosperous, secure, and democratic future.
- The United States stands with Ukraine as it continues to fight corruption and to advance its rule of law and judicial reform agenda.
Assistance
- Since 2014, the United States has provided Ukraine more than $4.6 billion in total assistance, including security and non-security assistance. In addition, we provided three $1 billion sovereign loan guarantees.
- The United States has provided over $49 million in COVID-related assistance, including funding directed toward health and humanitarian needs.
- Since 2014, the United States has contributed over $306 million to humanitarian agencies to support assistance to persons displaced or otherwise affected by Russia’s aggressive actions in eastern Ukraine and Crimea.
