Mr. Yushchenko Goes To Washington

Ukraine In NATO? The US will support Ukraine’s bid to join NATO, according to President George Bush. While joining NATO could help Ukraine further military reforms and gain greater independence from Russia, it could have some negative effects as well. In addition to generating tension in Ukrainian-Russian relations, it could have negative consequences for some domestic industries, such as Motor SICH (MSICH), which produces military aircraft engines. Yushchenko will also face political turbulence in the 2006 Parliamentary campaign.
Ukrainians are split in their views towards NATO membership and have little knowledge about the organization. Ukraine And The EU. President Bush was reserved in regard to his support for Ukraine?s aspirations to become an EU member. The message was that Ukraine should focus on domestic reforms first and the US will support its EU membership when the time is ripe. As the US is working to establish a more friendly relationship with the EU, Ukraine’s Eurointegration will be tougher for Yushchenko.
WTO Membership. The US will support Ukraine’s attempt to join the WTO. The Bush Administration will also help Ukraine gain market economy status from the US Congress. No More Visas For Americans. Ukraine will cancel entry visas for the US citizens in the near future in exchange for reduced fees on US entry visas.
 This was a very positive development, but it was expected. We assumed that Ukraine would cancel entry visas for Americans, just as it has agreed to do for EU citizens.