DISINFO: Ukraine is not an independent state
SUMMARY
Trump might punish Zelenskyy for not fulfilling his demands by several means, including taking the IMF money back. Thus, Ukraine is not an independent state since its president is a hostage to American domestic politics.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about Ukraine and Ukrainian statehood. Ukraine is a sovereign state. EU and US are not controlling Ukraine. Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected by most of the free world but is violated by Russia. The relations between the US and Ukraine represent bilateral cooperation between two independent countries. The US recognised Ukraine as an independent state on December 25, 1991. U.S. policy is centred on realising and strengthening a stable, democratic, prosperous, and free Ukraine more closely integrated into Europe and Euro-Atlantic structures. The US also released $250 million in military aid to Ukraine. More disinformation cases on Ukraine being under external control are available here.