Prime Minister of Ukraine and U.S. Treasury Secretary meet in Washington
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal met with U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent in Washington on 23 April. The main topic of discussion was economic cooperation between the two countries, as well as the issue of financial assistance to Ukraine for the next year.
“The Government of Ukraine undoubtedly supports the conclusion of an agreement on economic partnership between the American and Ukrainian peoples and the creation of an investment fund for reconstruction. Our negotiating teams continue to work actively, as envisaged by the signed memorandum. The negotiating teams will report on their progress by 26 April,” said Denys Shmyhal.
The parties discussed important political aspects of the future document. The Prime Minister stressed that, according to Ukrainian law, the agreement must be ratified by the Verkhovna Rada.
In addition, according to the Head of the Ukrainian Government, the parties agreed to start working on a free trade area between Ukraine and the United States.
“We appreciate the constructive tone of the negotiations between our technical teams and look forward to further fruitful dialogue for the benefit of the Ukrainian and American people,” said Denys Shmyhal.
The Prime Minister also expressed his gratitude to President Donald Trump for signing a decree extending sanctions against russia for another year, as well as for extending the ban on entry to U.S. ports for vessels owned by russia or with ties to russia for another year.
“It is necessary to increase sanctions pressure on the aggressor to force it to peace. In particular, we discussed strengthening sanctions against the energy sector of russia in connection with the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant,” said Denys Shmyhal.
He also thanked the American people for their extraordinary and comprehensive support during russia’s full-scale invasion.