Ukraine and US Eye Free Trade Deal and Investment Fund in Major Washington Visit

Ukraine and the United States have agreed to begin working toward a free trade agreement, while also laying the groundwork for a broader economic partnership, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced during his visit to Washington on April 23.

“The government of Ukraine undoubtedly supports the signing of an economic partnership agreement between the American and Ukrainian peoples and the creation of a reconstruction investment fund,” Shmyhal said.

“Our negotiating teams continue active work, as outlined in the signed memorandum. The negotiating groups will report on progress by April 26 this year.”

According to the Prime Minister, the talks also touched on key political provisions that would be included in any future agreement.

“I also emphasized that the agreement, under Ukrainian law, must be ratified by the Verkhovna Rada . We agreed to start work on a free trade area between Ukraine and the US,” he noted.

Shmyhal thanked US President Donald Trump for extending sanctions on Russia for another year, as well as for renewing a ban on Russian-linked vessels entering American ports.

Read more

Category

Business

Why Only a Full Oil Embargo Can Cripple Russia’s War Economy

Apr 03, 2025 13:44

“We need to increase sanctions pressure on the aggressor to force it into peace. In particular, we discussed tightening sanctions on Russia’s energy sector due to the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant,” Shmyhal said.

The prime minister also met with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to discuss financial assistance to Ukraine in the coming year and expressed gratitude for the continued bipartisan support from the American public during what he described as a critical period in Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in South Africa for high-level talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa and representatives from across the African continent.

“We are preparing for important meetings in South Africa with President Cyril Ramaphosa and representatives of political, civil, and student communities of African countries. It is crucial to bring a just peace closer. We are working to ensure that the G20 countries are actively engaged in diplomatic efforts,” Zelenskyy wrote.

Donate to Demine Schools, Forests and Hospitals in Ukraine

Help clear 3 Ukrainian regions from Russian explosive ordnance.

Completed