Ukraine: Background, Conflict with Russia, and U.S. Policy

by Cory Welt

Ukraine has accomplished much since the country's 2013-2014 Revolution of Dignity (also known as the Euromaidan). Forced to confront a Russian invasion and occupation of the Crimea region, a Russian-instigated conflict in eastern Ukraine, and a tightening of Russian control in the nearby Sea of Azov and Black Sea, Ukraine has developed a military capable of territorial defense, reversed a decline in economic growth, implemented reforms, maintained a democratic path, and gained formal independence for the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Ukraine continues to grapple with serious challenges. In 2019, the country transitioned to a new government under President Volodymyr Zelensky and his Servant of the People party. During Zelensky's presidency, Ukraine has enacted difficult economic and governance reforms and renewed talks with Russia on conflict resolution. In March 2020, a reshuffling of a six-month-old cabinet that had gained international confidence but lost domestic popularity raised concerns for some. The emergence in Ukraine of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) created further difficulties but also led the government to advance key reforms necessary to unlock international financial support. The United States has long supported Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and democratic trajectory. Since 2014, many Members of Congress, on a bipartisan basis, have condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, promoted sanctions against Russia for its actions, and supported increased economic and security aid to Ukraine. In 2019, U.S. relations with Ukraine became a prominent issue in U.S. domestic affairs, as the House of Representatives agreed to articles of impeachment related in part to alleged presidential actions regarding Ukraine. The Senate acquitted the President of the charges in February 2020. This report provides an overview of Ukraine's domestic politics and reform challenges; Ukraine's conflict with Russia and the conflict settlement process; the Ukrainian economy; and Ukraine's relations with the United States, the European Union (EU), and NATO.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B088N8ZT89
• ISBN13: 9798643659358
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 54 Pages
• Weight: 0.33 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.5" x 11.0"