The Obstacles to the U.S. and Ukraine’s Strategic Partnership

Despite new support measures and statements that the strategic partnership between the United States and Ukraine has never been stronger, a clash of short- and long-term interests will significantly challenge the future of the bilateral relationship, first becoming apparent in the Donbas conflict. On Sept. 1, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden at the White House, making Zelensky only the second European leader to do so following German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s farewell visit in July. Immediately prior to Zelensky’s meeting with Biden, the United States announced measures and initiatives aimed at supporting Ukraine’s security, Euro-Atlantic aspirations and reform agenda.  ...