Progress in reforms is needed. State Department explains what determines support for Ukraine
Photo: James O'Brien, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Future assistance to Ukraine from partner countries will depend on the extent to which reforms are implemented and effective, stated US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien at a meeting with journalists in Kyiv.
According to him, Ukraine is currently receiving assistance against the backdrop of Russia's invasion.
"Our assistance here is because Ukraine's been invaded illegally, because Ukraine is a democracy, because Ukraine is reforming to improve its democracy," the official said.
However, he said that for further assistance, Ukraine must make progress in all elements of reforms. He noted that the implementation of reforms is a key part of the support for Ukraine in Europe, the United States, and all G7 members.
"And so that's really the condition, is to see more progress, which means strengthening the independent investigative bodies, strengthening the institutions that resolve disputes, whether it's the courts, the tax and customs services, down the line to make sure that all of them can do their jobs without favoritism or interference. And that the government is committed to do. I met with parliamentarians today. They are committed to pursue this agenda. So we'll continue, we'll keep working on that," O'Brien said.
US aid to Ukraine
At the end of last year, the United States announced that it had run out of money to support Ukraine. In February of this year, the Senate approved a bill that included $60 billion in aid to Ukraine.
However, the House of Representatives was unable to consider this document because House Speaker Mike Johnson refused to put it to a vote.
However, on April 20, the US House of Representatives approved a bill to fund aid to Ukraine. Now, the US Senate has to consider the bill on Tuesday, April 23, and then it must be signed by US President Joe Biden.
Read more about Johnson's initiative and its chances of passing the Congress in the material of RBC-Ukraine.
