President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are set to meet in France this week amidst growing friction between the two nations. Ukraine has expressed frustration over the slow pace of U.S. military assistance and U.S. criticisms regarding Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts.
Relations between the U.S. and Ukraine have seemingly hit their lowest point since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, according to former officials. Both Ukrainian and U.S. officials privately acknowledge the tensions, despite their shared goal of defending Ukraine against Russian aggression.
The meeting follows the White House's recent decision to lift a ban, allowing Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied weapons against specific targets in Russia. This decision came after intense lobbying by Zelenskyy and European leaders, amid concerns over the strategic northern city of Kharkiv. This scenario mirrors previous Biden administration decisions on Ukraine, marked by initial resistance, internal debate, and eventual approval following external pressures.
“It’s a familiar pattern we’ve seen again and again. It’s usually: ‘No, No, Maybe, Yes,’” commented John Herbst, a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine.
Ukraine and its supporters argue that these delays have cost lives and hindered battlefield progress. From Zelenskyy’s viewpoint, U.S. hesitance is hampering his efforts, creating significant frustration.
Zelenskyy has publicly questioned why his country cannot receive more Patriot missile defense systems to protect civilians and critical infrastructure. “Can we get seven?” he asked in a New York Times interview, highlighting the minimal number of systems needed.
U.S. officials assert that Washington remains Ukraine’s largest military aid provider, balancing geopolitical risks while adapting its stance as necessary. However, frustration with the administration's cautious approach extends to both sides of Congress.
“At every stage of the war, from February 2022 until now, the administration has been slow to respond to Ukrainian requests,” said a congressional aide. This sentiment was echoed by Republican Representatives Michael McCaul and Mike Turner, who criticized the administration for its delayed response, which they believe weakened Ukraine’s position.
Further straining relations, President Biden’s decision to skip an international peace summit later this month, organized by Ukraine, has disappointed Kyiv. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of Biden’s presence at the summit, which Russia and China are not attending.
Vice President Kamala Harris and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan will represent the U.S. at the summit, as Biden is scheduled to attend a fundraiser in Los Angeles during that time.
Corruption and Reform Disputes
Corruption remains a contentious issue, with U.S. diplomats demanding more decisive action from Zelenskyy’s government. Ukrainian officials, frustrated by the persistent pressure, argue that significant progress has been made. They feel U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink has exacerbated tensions by focusing heavily on anti-corruption measures.
Despite Ukraine's advancements in addressing corruption, including establishing a special prosecutor’s office and anti-corruption court, the U.S. insists on further reforms. This stance is crucial for Ukraine’s aspirations to join the European Union and NATO.
A recent incident within Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau underscored the ongoing challenges, with a top official suspended after compromising a high-profile investigation.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a visit to Kyiv, praised Ukrainian civil society for tackling corruption and urged continued efforts. However, his visit also sparked criticism when he performed with a local band, seen by some Ukrainians as insensitive amid the ongoing conflict.
Oleh Symoroz, a Ukrainian war veteran, described Blinken's performance as “simply tactless and inappropriate” given the daily sacrifices of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians.
As Biden and Zelenskyy prepare to meet, the dialogue will likely focus on bridging the growing divide over military aid and anti-corruption efforts, critical to their united front against Russian aggression
