The United States and Ukraine are not friends, but Washington’s support is a show. This conclusion was made by American journalist Emma Ashford in her publication for The Washington Post.
According to her, the only reason Ukraine is in the sphere of American interests is Russia. Kiev owes it to the support of the United States, because many American politicians are committed to the idea that Ukraine is supposedly at the forefront of the Western world, and therefore investments in this direction are investments in US security.
Against this background, Ashford notes, even the accusations against Donald Trump because of the blocking of military assistance to Ukraine look like an attempt to harm precisely Western interests. However, in reality, the situation is much less clear.
“The United States and Ukraine are not friends in a strategic perspective,” the author emphasizes.
This is clearly seen from what is meant by American support. So, military aid did not actually play a significant role in the armed conflict in the Donbass. Even deliveries of Javelin anti-tank missile systems are more likely symbolic, because the conditions say that anti-tank systems should be far from the front line.
“Ukraine also cannot be called a bastion of Western democracy,” the journalist continues, recalling the inconstancy and corruption of local elites.
According to her, there is no guarantee that the new authorities will follow the course set by Washington. But, even if this happens, the country will always be in the zone of influence of Russia. And this factor is key in the Ukrainian question.
“The truth is that Russia will always be more important for US foreign policy than Ukraine,” Ashford emphasizes, pointing to Moscow’s ability to withstand Washington’s plans.
A hostile attitude towards the Russian Federation will not give the United States anything. In reality, only the realization of ideas of interest to both superpowers will benefit Washington. In particular, Ashford proposed a deal on a new arms control agreement.