Thread by @anders_aslund

The Joint Statement on the U.S.-Ukraine Strategic Partnership adopted today looks quite impressive.
whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/…

Most important is security. The headline is: "Standing up to Russian Aggression" "The United States and Ukraine have finalized a Strategic Defense Framework that creates a foundation for the enhancement of U.S.-Ukraine strategic defense and security cooperation"

The US "is announcing a new $60 million security assistance package, including additional Javelin anti-armor systems ... to enable Ukraine to more effectively defend itself against Russian aggression. more than $400 million this year alone."

But the US also wants reform: "The United States supports Ukraine’s plan to reform the Security Service of Ukraine by streamlining and clearly defining its authorities and strengthening regulations that protect human rights and provide for effective public oversight."

Next values: The US & "Ukraine are bound by the universal values that unite the free people of the world: democracy, human rights, the rule of law. Despite Russia’s continuing aggression, Ukraine has made progress in implementing comprehensive democratic and human rights reforms"

Specified: "Building upon the passage of judicial reform legislation, Ukraine plans to overhaul its judicial sector in line with international best practices. ...Ukraine intends to build on the successful establishment of its independent anti-corruption infrastructure"

The US commits more funds: "In support of Ukraine’s reform efforts, the U.S...plans to allocate over $463 million in assistance this year, including for programs focused on democracy, human rights, local governance and decentralization, privatization, and judicial reform."

Surprisingly strong language on Nord Stream 2: "The United States and Ukraine continue to oppose Nord Stream 2, which we view as a threat to European energy security." (Bud do something about it!)

The US stands up for the IMF: "In alignment with Ukraine’s IMF program, Ukraine intends to reform state-owned enterprises, protect central bank independence, strengthen financial sector supervision, and create a fair business and investment environment."

In the end comes Covid support: The US "has provided approximately $55 million in COVID-19 related assistance and donated nearly 2.2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Ukraine. The United States intends to provide...an additional $12.8 million in COVID-related assistance..."

And humanitarian assistance: " The U.S. government will provide an additional $45 million in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine this year."
Not bad!