Engaging Ukraine in 2009
Description:... Dealing with Ukraine in its current state will not be easy for Washington, but it is important. A lack of attention to Ukraine now could well require far greater attention in the future, should the country go off track or become immersed in crisis. Ukrainian leaders of course must do their part. Robust U.S. engagement, however, could prove decisive in prompting them to act. Robust engagement includes tough messages delivered in full candor. For all the frustrations of watching developments in Kyiv, it is not the time for "Ukraine fatigue." It remains in the U.S. interest that Ukraine continue its democratic and market economy transformation, and that it avoid internal crisis--either political or economic--or confrontation with Russia. Establishing a high-level political channel; assisting Kyiv in avoiding a financial calamity; pressing the Ukrainian government to take the long-needed steps on energy sector reform; and advising the Ukrainians on how to deepen relations with the West while avoiding crisis with Moscow should be central parts of the U.S. strategy to achieve these goals in the difficult circumstances of 2009 -- summary (p.15)
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