President Volodymyr Zelensky’s long-awaited meeting with U.S. President Joseph Biden took place in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 1.
The meeting didn’t deliver a breakthrough, yet Ukraine gained a total of over $117 million from the U.S. in military and humanitarian aid.
Zelensky asked the U.S. to join the Donbas peace talks and to assist Ukraine in returning approximately 450 captives held in Russia and Russian-controlled Donbas and Crimea.
“We handed over a list of all Ukrainian prisoners, a list of people who are imprisoned in occupied Donbas, occupied Crimea, and in Russia,” Zelensky said during his opening remarks.
“What role, what assistance can the U.S. provide?” he added.
Meanwhile, Biden once again reassured Ukraine of unwavering support and backed Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
Answering questions amid the meeting, Jennifer Psaki, White House press secretary, said that the U.S. supports Ukraine’s desire to join NATO, yet that Ukraine needs to first fulfill all requirements. She didn’t go into detail.
The presidents didn’t hold a joint press conference, publishing a joint statement instead.
The meeting took two hours instead of the scheduled one hour, according to Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.
“We have a joint statement and a lot of work for me and Secretary of State (Antony) Blinken to implement it within the renewed U.S.-Ukraine Strategic Partnership Commission,” Kuleba tweeted.
In turn, Blinken thanked Ukraine for assisting the U.S. with the evacuation of civilians from Afghanistan.
“The U.S.-Ukrainian partnership is stronger than ever and we’re committed to Ukraine’s bright and prosperous future,” he added.
Defense
The defense was the key topic of Zelensky’s first face-to-face meeting with Biden.
“The U.S. remains firmly committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russian aggression and our support for Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations,” said Biden before the meeting.
Biden confirmed the allocation of up to $60 million in military assistance to Ukraine. The new assistance package will include more Javelin anti-tank missiles.
The aid was provided because of a “major increase in Russian military activity along the border.”
Hours prior, the state-run UkrOboronProm defense production conglomerate signed three framework agreements with U.S.-based defense companies worth up to $2.5 billion, the company reported.
The agreements were signed with L3Harris Technologies, which specializes in producing wireless equipment, tactical radio and electronic systems, and two low-profile companies Global Ordnance and DAY & Zimmermann Lone Star, specializing in producing ammunition and logistics.
According to UkrOboronProm, the conglomerate also agreed to begin joint projects with Lockheed Martin.
“The U.S. and Ukraine have finalized a Strategic Defense Framework that creates a foundation for the enhancement of strategic defense and security cooperation,” the communique said.
Energy security
Energy security was the next big question.
Zelensky focused on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, an $11 billion Russian project set to sideline Ukraine from the European gas market.
“The U.S. and Ukraine continue to oppose Nord Stream 2, which we view as a threat to European energy security,” the joint statement said.
However, it was the Biden administration that waived sanctions placed on the Swiss-registered parent company Nord Stream 2 AG in May, paving way for the pipeline’s completion by the end of the year.
President Volodymyr Zelensky approaches the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery on Sept. 1, 2021 in Arlington, Virginia. (Getty Images via AFP)
In July, the pipeline’s construction was sealed by an agreement between Biden and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the main proponent of Nord Stream 2.
The so-called Green Fund, to which Germany has committed $175 million to promote and support investments in green energy in Ukraine wasn’t mentioned in the statement.
Ukrainian reforms
Being dry on energy security guarantees, the joint statement focused on Ukrainian reforms.
The White House mentioned the reforms of Ukraine’s judiciary, defense industry, Security Service, expansion of the corporate governance reform, the protection of the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the fast and transparent selection of the new head of the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office. The key position has been vacant since August 2020.
“Ukraine intends to reform state-owned enterprises, protect central bank independence, strengthen financial sector supervision, and create a fair business and investment environment,” the statement said.
Most of the reforms mentioned in the statement remain stagnant. Ukraine launched the judicial reform, yet failed to reform the Security Service, while the ex-National Bank Head Yakiv Smoliy resigned in July 2020 citing “political pressure.”
Coronavirus and humanitarian aid
Among the positive outcomes of the meeting was the U.S. financial assistance for humanitarian and medical purposes.
“The U.S. government will provide an additional $45 million in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine this year,” the communique said.
The money will be allocated to those in need due to the ongoing Russian military intervention in eastern Ukraine, which left over 13,000 people dead and over 1 million people displaced.
The joint statement also mentioned that the Biden administration will provide an additional $12.8 million in COVID-related assistance drawn from the America Rescue Plan Act.
Biden also mentioned his desire to visit Ukraine in the future.
“I look forward to being able to come back someday to see you,” said Biden.
