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On 7 June, the White Home introduced that president Joe Biden had invited Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington. This would be the first time a Ukrainian president has visited the White Home in over 4 years.
The invitation got here after a tense interval in Russo-Ukrainian relations.
Earlier this 12 months, Russia amassed over 100,000 troops close to Ukraine’s jap border. Russia additionally restricted airspace close to Crimea and the Donbas areas, and it blocked elements of the Black Sea.
Russia’s actions put the West on excessive alert, however after a tense few weeks, the Russian Federation introduced that it will pull again its troops from the Russo-Ukrainian border.
Whereas these occasions didn’t result in a brand new offensive, they did remind the West that the battle between Russia and Ukraine persists to at the present time.
Now, as Zelensky prepares for his 30 August assembly with Biden, the Ukrainian president must be direct throughout his go to. Zelensky is aware of that few elected officers are invited to the White Home, subsequently, he might want to profit from his go to.
What ought to Zelensky talk about with Biden through the White Home summit?
First, the 2 presidents ought to concentrate on the continuing Russian offensive in jap Ukraine. The seven-year battle has resulted within the deaths of over 14,000 and the displacement of almost 2 million.
Fortunately for Ukraine, Biden could be very aware of the battle as he beforehand served as the purpose individual on Ukraine through the Obama administration.
As well as, secretary of state Antony Blinken and underneath secretary of state for political affairs Victoria Nuland beforehand labored on Ukraine-related points through the administration of former president Barack Obama.
On condition that the present Normandy Summit and Trilateral Contract Group have stalled, Zelensky ought to request that the US and its skilled officers help with the Donbas peace negotiations.
Whereas Russia would try to dam any US involvement, Zelensky ought to proceed to push for America’s participation in these conversations.
Second, Zelensky ought to request readability on Ukraine’s relationship with Nato.
Throughout an unique interview with Axios in January, Zelensky requested why Ukraine was not in Nato. For the reason that begin of the Donbas battle, Ukraine has undergone a sequence of defence reforms to change into interoperable with Nato.
The jap European state grew to become the primary Nato companion nation to take part in Nato’s Response Pressure. It’s also considered one of six non-Nato members to carry “Nato Enhanced Alternatives Companion” standing.
Whereas challenges stay, comparable to Ukraine’s corruption points, its continued battle with Russia, and its want to satisfy extra Nato requirements, Ukraine’s persistence exhibits that it’s dedicated to becoming a member of the alliance.
Zelensky and Biden may use this as a possibility to debate what different measures should be taken earlier than Ukraine is offered with a membership motion plan.
Third, the Ukrainian president ought to talk about his anti-corruption initiative along with his American counterpart.
In June, Zelensky launched a legislation that may diminish the affect and energy of Ukraine’s oligarchs. He additionally urged the Verkhovna Rada to undertake an anti-corruption technique that may allegedly save Ukraine thousands and thousands of {dollars} a 12 months.
Whereas the effectiveness of those methods stays to be seen, the Ukrainian president must show that he’s severe about eradicating corruption in his nation.
So far, Zelensky’s workforce has continued to backslide on their anti-corruption efforts. That is hindering the nation’s skill to combine with the West.
Biden additionally emphasised this level on the current Nato summit, the place he acknowledged that Ukraine wanted to “clear up [its] corruption” earlier than future integration efforts had been mentioned. Reforming Ukraine’s judicial system could be an necessary place to begin.
Fourth, Zelensky ought to invite Biden to Ukraine. So far, an American president has not visited Ukraine in 13 years.
Distinctive alternative
A Biden go to to this jap European state would underscore America’s dedication to selling a free and affluent Ukraine.
It might show to Russia that the US values its relationship with Ukraine, and that the Russians ought to assume twice earlier than meddling in Ukrainian affairs. (Through the Obama administration, Biden visited Ukraine on six events because the American vp.)
Lastly, as a bonus, president Biden may use his assembly with president Zelensky as a possibility to announce his nomination for the US ambassadorial place in Ukraine. The USA has not had an official ambassador to Ukraine since 2019.
Saying a brand new appointment would recommend that the US is severe about its relationship with Ukraine. By filling this place with a outstanding particular person, it will additionally recommend that the US is dedicated to aiding this jap European state throughout its time of want.
General, Zelensky has been offered with a singular alternative to showcase why America ought to care about Ukraine. He might want to show that Ukraine is severe about eradicating corruption, and that his nation is making a sound try towards Western integration.
This might be a difficult activity, however Zelensky have to be ready for his assembly with Biden. The Ukrainian president could not get a second probability.
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