Ukraine, USA agree to key deal on Black Sea Fleet transfers.
Opinion
US Ukraine Relations
The US has a complex relationship with Ukraine. On one hand, Washington has long regarded Kiev as its closest ally in Eastern Europe. But on the other hand, there is significant opposition within the US government to recognizing Ukraine as a sovereign state until it meets key criteria for membership in the European Union.
Historically, there has been a close link between the United States and Ukraine. The two countries were formerly part of the Soviet Union, and the US has long supported Ukraine's independence struggle, providing economic aid and military assistance. However, many Americans have opposed the expansion of NATO into Eastern Europe, a viewpoint that has led some to question US support for Ukraine. Additionally, there are differences between the US and Ukrainian governments on issues such as energy and trade, as well as political differences on the topic of Ukraine joining the EU.
In the aftermath of the February 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea, the United States imposed sanctions on Russia and provided military aid to Ukraine. During President Donald Trump's visit to Ukraine in May 2019, both leaders announced progress towards normalizing relations. In September 2019, the two nations signed a key agreement on the transfer of ownership of Ukraine's Black Sea Fleet, which had been frozen since the early 1990s.
In November 2019, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo proposed a new agreement with Ukraine. This deal would reduce US support for Ukraine's participation in NATO, in exchange for Ukraine easing restrictions on American businesses dealing with Ukraine. Some critics argued this move was a betrayal to the people of Ukraine, who had put their trust in Washington during difficult times. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted that this move was a personal insult to him and his country, and accused Trump of lacking empathy and understanding towards Ukrainians.
