May 20, 2020
We congratulate President Zelenskyy and his administration on their first anniversary in office.
At the time of President Zelenskyy’s election, the United States warmly welcomed his commitment to implement the reforms necessary to move Ukraine into a new era marked by stability, prosperity, democracy, and further integration into Europe. We commend the progress achieved this year. Over 130 Ukrainians unjustly detained by Russia and its proxies have returned to their families. The government completed unbundling of its natural gas sector, an important step in strengthening Ukraine’s energy security. Decentralization efforts to empower local communities have moved forward. Ukraine has implemented many of the reforms necessary to establish a new IMF program.
The United States supports the work that remains, which is complicated by Russia’s ongoing, illegal aggression on Ukrainian territory and by the COVID-19 pandemic. As President Zelenskyy and his team press forward with dismantling Ukraine’s oligarchic system, strengthening the rule of law, and ensuring the independence and integrity of anti-corruption and law enforcement institutions, we will continue to work with the administration to achieve its objectives, and we call on Rada members, and local and regional officials, to resist attempts by vested interests to slow progress.
As President Zelenskyy enters the second year of his presidency, the United States stands firmly with the people of Ukraine in support of a democratic, prosperous Ukraine, secure in its internationally recognized borders.
