U.S. expects to see results before Biden and Zelensky meet

The U.S. is looking for progress in Ukraine in terms of
fighting corruption and improving governance before the presidents meet in
July, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the Senate Appropriations
Committee on June 8. According to pravda.com.ua, Blinken states that the
adoption of legislation is a necessary step, but not sufficient. Action is
needed.

Ukraine’s progress with military reform was noted at a
different venue by deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia, Ukraine,
and Eurasia Laura Cooper. Speaking at the Decmocracy in Action: Zero Corruption
Conference on June 7, Cooper noted that, “Ukraine has made tremendous strides”,
as it tries to reform its military and security sector, according to
defense.gov.

James Hydzik: The changes
that Blinken referred to in the judiciary and in governance are a world apart
from the defense reforms made by the Ukrainian government, but all are
necessary. Many of the military reforms are organization and training related,
and in that sense, with NATO interoperability a significant carrot, they are
difficult, but straightforward.

Changing governance and corruption attitudes and
actions is harder without that carrot. And summer vacation is around the
corner, so “progress” is a big demand at this point. Blinken’s words might need
to be reframed  to include, “just don’t do anything controversial between
now and July.”