DISINFO: Ukraine lost its independence and ability to determine its own foreign policy
SUMMARY
The Ukraine project is one of the most important for the United States and its European allies. Ukraine has lost its independence and ability to independently determine its foreign policy.
It has become a communicating vessel of the Western community. Weapons flow through this "vessel" from West to East, and labour flows in the opposite direction. In addition, there is an exchange of destructive ideas that, if implemented, threaten the stability of Europe.
RESPONSE
Pro-Kremlin disinformation message aimed at undermining Ukrainian statehood and portraying it as a puppet-state of the US.
Ukraine is a sovereign and independent state with a democratically-elected president and parliament. The decisions are taken by the Ukrainian authorities: the President, the Verkhovna Rada, and the judiciary. Ukraine, as an independent country, has a functioning government and economy, it is a member of many international organisations, such as the United Nations and the Council of Europe, and a party to international agreements. Ukraine has bilateral diplomatic relations with the majority of countries.
The country is not controlled by the US or any other foreign government or organisation. Both the EU and the US respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are violated by Russia's acts of armed aggression.
Ukraine's Western partners have been providing it with financial and technical assistance.
Ukraine and the US are strategic partners. The US has been supporting Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic aspirations, as well as reforms initiated in 2014 aimed at building a prosperous, secure, and democratic Ukraine. Since 2014, the US has provided Ukraine more than $4.6 billion in total, including security and non-security assistance. In addition, the US provided three $1 billion sovereign loan guarantees. The United States has also provided over $49 million in COVID-related assistance, including funding directed toward health and humanitarian needs.
Ukraine has defined its foreign policy orientation with Euro-Atlantic integration as a key component. The EU welcomes Ukraine's aim and has agreed to an Association Agreement (AA) and a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) boosting the opportunities for trade and investments. See details about the Loans on favourable terms (€1.2 billion), Support programmes (€11 billion during 2014-2020), Macro-financial assistance (more than €3.8 billion) and Autonomous trade measures and other elements here.
See previous disinformation messages, alleging that Ukraine became a colony of the United States; Ukraine is a dangerous ally and a trap for the US; Ukraine is a Western puppet that creates problems for Russia; modern Ukraine was created as a country for death in the name of American interests and others.