Site Information: Newly Independent States of the Former Soviet Union
Title: Ukraine
Public Affairs
Source: Bureau of Public Affairs, Office of Public
Communication
Description: Washington, DC
Date: Aug 13, 19928/13/92
Category: Fact Sheets
Region: Eurasia
Country: Ukraine, USSR (former)
Subject: History, Democratization, Trade/Economics,
Cultural Exchange
Map: Central, Eastern Europe, and the former Soviet Republics
[TEXT]
US-Ukrainian Relations
On December 25, 1991, the United States officially recognized the
independence of Ukraine and upgraded its consulate in Kiev to
embassy status on January 21, 1992. The success of the political
and economic reforms being undertaken in Ukraine is important to
the US. President Bush has pledged to support its transition to a
free, democratic society and efforts to develop free market
institutions. Speaking in Kiev in December 1991, Secretary Baker
praised Ukraine as being "at the forefront of those republics that
are embracing those principles and values" laid down by President
Bush as guidelines for US recognition of the new independent states:
self-determination, respect of borders, support of democracy,
safeguarding of human rights, and respect for international law.
Ukrainian President Leonid M. Kravchuk met with President
Bush, Secretary of Defense Cheney, and other senior government
officials during his first official visit to Washington, DC, May 5-7,
1992. The two leaders signed a series of agreements designed to
enhance economic, technical, and cultural cooperation between the
two countries. These included a trade agreement which provides
reciprocal most-favored-nation tariff treatment to the products of
each country and an agreement to authorize the Overseas Private
Investment Corporation to provide investment insurance, project
financing, and a variety of investor services to US private investors
in Ukraine. The US and Ukraine also agreed to end restrictions on
diplomatic travel, to increase cooperation on environmental issues,
to establish a Science and Technology Center in Ukraine, and to
initiate a Peace Corps program emphasizing small business
development. The United States pledged further assistance with
the implementation of a new legal system, the establishment of
news distribution and independent broadcasting stations, the
improvement of food processing and distribution systems, and the
development of a private sector housing market.
The United States has received assurances from Ukraine that it
will adhere to responsible security policies and to democratic
principles. At the Conference on Assistance to the New
Independent States held in Lisbon, May 23-24, 1992, the United
States signed a protocol to the Stategic Arms Reduction Treaty
(START) with Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan (those
states on whose territory nuclear weapons are located). The
protocol makes the four states party to the START Treaty and
commits all signatories to reductions in strategic nuclear weapons
within the 7-year period provided for in the treaty. On June 5,
1992, Ukraine and the other new independent states signed the
Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty, which reduces existing
stockpiles of tanks, artillery, and armored vehicles. The US has
dispatched experts to Ukraine to consult on issues of nuclear
weapons safety and dismantlement.
To assist Ukraine in the process of transition to a free market
economy, the United States is part of an international effort to
provide technical and financial assistance. US initiatives also have
included efforts through Operation Provide Hope to provide
emergency humanitarian aid in the form of shipments of food,
clothing, and medical supplies.
The Freedom for Russia and the Emerging Eurasian Democracies
and Open Markets (FREEDOM) Support Act proposed by President Bush
on April 1, 1992, would expand the range of US assistance. The act
would authorize funds for projects relating to demilitarization,
defense conversion, non-proliferation, relocation of former Soviet
forces, and the development of increased trade and investment
opportunities. It would establish an International Science and
Technology Center in Ukraine, similar to one already designated for
Russia, to assist scientists and engineers in the development and
funding of non-military projects. It also would authorize the US to
continue its role in the multilateral aid and currency stabilization
program currently being organized by the International Monetary
Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the Group of 7 industrialized
countries.
Consolidating Democracy
Following free elections held on December 1, 1991, Leonid M.
Kravchuk was elected President of Ukraine. A referendum on
independence was approved by more than 90% of the voters, winning
majorities even in areas with large numbers of ethnic Russians. On
December 8, 1991, the former Soviet republic became a member of
the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Political groupings in Ukraine include former communists,
"Rukh/Narodna Rada" nationalists (the largest and best organized of
the popular fronts), and a new opposition group, "New Ukraine,"
combining economic reformers and environmentalists.
The government of President Leonid Kravchuk is committed to
continuing the process of reform necessary for economic recovery
and full democratization. Ukraine has stated its intention to
observe and implement the provisions of the CFE and START
Treaties. It has indicated its willingness to transfer all nuclear
weapons on its soil to Russia by 1994.
Ukraine joined the United Nations in 1945 as one of the original
members, following a compromise with the Soviet Union, which had
asked for seats for all 15 republics. On January 31, 1992, Ukraine
joined the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE)
and on March 10, 1992, it became a member of the North Atlantic
Cooperation Council (NACC). Through contacts with the countries of
the West, Ukraine seeks to increase consultation and cooperation in
areas such as defense planning; the conversion of defense
production to civilian purposes; and scientific, economic, and
environmental issues.
Economic Conditions
Ukraine is important as an agricultural and industrial region. It is a
major producer of grain and sugar and possesses a broad industrial
base, including much of the former USSR's space industry. Although
oil reserves are largely exhausted, it has important energy sources,
such as coal and natural gas, and large mineral
deposits.
This year, Ukraine has liberalized prices and introduced a
privatization plan designed to move toward a free market economy.
Fuel, electricity, and food shortages have affected the country, in
large part due to deficiencies in the country's transport system.
Faced with these problems, Ukraine welcomes technical and
financial assistance from the international community to rebuild
its agricultural and industrial sectors. A farmer-to-farmer
program to increase farm production and income will provide
training in US-style farm technology and agricultural cooperatives.
Projects currently are underway to upgrade oil and gas pipelines,
modernize sugar mills and sugar refineries, and upgrade coal and
electricity production.
On April 27, 1992, Ukraine became a member of the
International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Subject to
approval by the IMF of a comprehensive economic reform program, it
will be eligible for IMF and World Bank assistance.
Ukraine at a Glance
Ukraine's population of 52 million traces its origins to the 9th
century Rus, a medieval civilization that introduced Orthodox
Christianity in 988 AD. In 1392, the Grand Duke of Lithuania seized
the territory of Ukraine, and in 1569, Lithuania merged with Poland.
Ukrainian peasants who fled Polish efforts to force them into
serfdom came to be known as Cossacks and earned a reputation for a
fierce fighting spirit. In 1667, Ukraine was partitioned between
Poland and Russia. In 1793, it was reunited as part of the Russian
Empire. Despite a proclamation of independence in 1917, Ukraine
was incorporated into the Soviet Union in December 1919. Between
the two World Wars, a nationalist movement remained active and,
unsuccessfully, attempted to restore an independent republic after
the German invasion in 1941. During the war, Ukraine and its
capital, Kiev, were heavily damaged. On August 24, 1991, Ukraine
declared its independence.
The territory of Ukraine is 233,080 square miles, slightly
larger than that of France. It is primarily a vast plain bounded by
the Carpathian mountains in the southwest and by the Black Sea and
the Sea of Azov in the south. The Dnieper River has long been a
trade route linking the Baltic coast countries with the Black and the
Mediterranean Seas.
Ukraine is a land rich in natural resources. It has a major
ferrous metal industry, producing cast iron, steel, and steel pipe.
Its chemical industry produces coke, mineral fertilizers, and
sulfuric acid. Its manufactured goods include metallurgical
equipment, diesel locomotives, and tractors. Conservation of
natural resources is a high priority. Ukraine established its first
nature preserve, Askanyia-Nova in 1921 and has a program to breed
endangered species.
As of January 1990, the population of the Ukraine was 51.8
million, about 18% of the population of the former USSR.
Principal Government Officials
President: Leonid M. Kravchuk
Foreign Minister: Anatoliy Zlenko
Capital: Kiev