Ukraine and US coordinate steps to strengthen Ukrainian economy

Representatives from the American and Ukrainian governments held an online discussion on the steps to provide an additional boost to the development of the Ukrainian economy.

According to the Ukrainian Ambassador to the US, Oksana Markarova, this will concern strategic sectors and the business industry, Rubryka reports.

"Alongside Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Yulia Svyrydenko, we had an important meeting with the US Special Representative for Economic Recovery in Ukraine, Penny Pritzker, and the US Ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink," said the Ukrainian diplomat.

Markarova also reported that during the online meeting, they thoroughly discussed and coordinated "further joint steps with American partners to provide an additional impetus for the economic development of Ukraine."

Particular attention was given to the real economic sector, supporting both strategic industries and small to medium-sized businesses.

Last week, Ambassador Markarova stated on MSNBC that Ukraine is actively working to convey to the United States the importance of continuing support in the fight against Russian aggression.

"We continue to diligently work on ensuring that the American people are well-informed about Russian crimes in Ukraine; understand the importance of continuing support for Ukraine; share our strategy in the fight for our land and people; realize that it's not Putin's hypocritical statements but the Ukrainian Peace Formula that guarantees the restoration of security and stability in Europe," said the ambassador at that time.

According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba, the United States will reduce assistance to Ukraine only when the country can manage without this support, which will definitely not be in 2024.

What we know about US assistance

The funding allocated for financing military aid to Ukraine has run out in the United States. To remedy the situation, President Joe Biden has requested over $100 billion from Congress, including over $60 billion for Ukraine.

Congress is divided regarding this package, as Republicans demand to include proposals to strengthen border security, particularly with Mexico.

Biden's request has not been approved yet due to political disputes and Republican disagreement to vote on it until their initiatives are added to the package.

The President of the United States called the possibility of ending military aid to Ukraine "insanity."

In turn, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, commented on the delay in military aid to Ukraine, stating that Western countries will continue military support for Ukraine, and there is no Plan B in case it is discontinued.