U.S. waits for unequivocal signs from Ukraine on reform

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State George Kent
gave an interview regarding Ukraine to voanews.com on March 25, where he spoke
clearly about the Biden administration’s expectations and policy regarding
Ukraine. He pointed specifically to the judiciary and attacks on the
independence of the National Anticorruptin Bureau (NABU) and the National Bank
(NBU). He also pointed to the promises that were made during the presidential
and parliamentary elections regarding change, and indicated that the U.S.
government expects the party in power to make good on those promises.

Kent couched the topic of a phone call between the two
presidents in terms of trust, which “is two-way”, and that he expects the call
to happen soon.

James Hydzik: Reform has been, and continues to be, Joe Biden’s quid pro quo
regarding Ukraine. While we disagree with the assessment regarding specific
points, such as the case opened against NBU deputy governor Kateryna Rozhkova,
the general trend is correct. Given that both Kent and former ambassador to
Ukraine John Herbst have focused on corruption and the judiciary, President
Zelensky may for the moment be relieved of the need to distance himself from
Andriy Yermak because of alleged ties to Moscow. However, lasting judicial
reform is a whole different level from reducing petty corruption through
putting government services on an app. There is no guarantee that the level of
reform needed for Biden to pick up the phone can happen in the short term.