U.S. top official again warns against Ukraine deal with Chinese on Motor Sich

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had a call with
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Aug. 26, a State Department press
release from Aug. 29 stated. In this call, after Pompeo congratulated Ukraine
on the 29th anniversary of independence and assured that the U.S. “continues to
stand with the Ukrainian people,” he “raised U.S. concerns regarding malign”
Chinese investments, naming in particular an attempt by Skyrison to acquire
Motor Sich (MSICH UK). Belarus, COVID-19 issues and efforts to resolve Russian
aggression in eastern Ukraine were “also” discussed, the press release stated.
Zelensky’s press release on the talk with Pompeo, issued on Aug. 26, mentioned
only Ukraine’s peace attempts in the war with Russia and the situation in
Belarus among the topics discussed.

Alexander Paraschiy: It’s interesting to see that Motor Sich is the most important issue in
today’s U.S. – Ukraine agenda. Needless to say, with such pressure from the
U.S., Ukraine’s government is very unlikely to allow Skyrison to take control
over the nation’s biggest aircraft engine manufacturer, despite lobbying
pressure from China’s new partner, Olexandr Yaroslavsky. The
lack of any clear solution on Motor Sich will further jeopardize the company’s
future.