{ "id": "R45008", "type": "CRS Report", "typeId": "R", "number": "R45008", "active": true, "source": "CRSReports.Congress.gov, EveryCRSReport.com", "versions": [ { "summary": null, "sourceLink": "https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/details?prodcode=R45008", "source_dir": "crsreports.congress.gov", "type": "CRS Report", "formats": [ { "sha1": "d24c3f94064fd96b1a1b4728a81e0a73fbfdacdb", "format": "PDF", "url": "https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R45008/12", "filename": "files/2021-10-05_R45008_d24c3f94064fd96b1a1b4728a81e0a73fbfdacdb.pdf" }, { "format": "HTML", "filename": "files/2021-10-05_R45008_d24c3f94064fd96b1a1b4728a81e0a73fbfdacdb.html" } ], "title": "Ukraine: Background, Conflict with Russia, and U.S. Policy", "source": "CRSReports.Congress.gov", "retrieved": "2021-11-02T04:03:32.474219", "date": "2021-10-05", "typeId": "R", "id": "R45008_12_2021-10-05", "active": true }, { "source": "EveryCRSReport.com", "id": 623273, "date": "2020-04-29", "retrieved": "2020-04-29T22:21:29.062042", "title": "Ukraine: Background, Conflict with Russia, and U.S. Policy", "summary": "In 2019, Ukraine transitioned to a new government under President Volodymyr Zelensky and his Servant of the People party. During Zelensky\u2019s presidency, Ukraine has enacted difficult economic and governance reforms and renewed talks with Russia on conflict resolution. In March 2020, a reshuffling of a six-month-old cabinet that had gained international confidence but lost domestic popularity raised concerns for some. The emergence in Ukraine of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) created further difficulties but also led the government to advance key reforms necessary to unlock international financial support. \nThe United States supports Ukraine\u2019s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders and promotes the implementation of domestic reforms. Since Ukraine\u2019s independence in 1991, and especially after Russia\u2019s 2014 invasion and occupation of Ukrainian territory, Ukraine has been a leading recipient of U.S. foreign and military aid in Europe and Eurasia. Nonmilitary aid averaged about $321 million a year from FY2015 to FY2019, plus a total of almost $240 million in humanitarian aid since 2014. The United States also provides military assistance to Ukraine: more than $1.6 billion since 2014, mainly though the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. In 2019, U.S. relations with Ukraine became a prominent issue in U.S. domestic affairs, as the House of Representatives agreed to articles of impeachment related in part to alleged presidential actions regarding Ukraine. The Senate acquitted the President of the charges in February 2020.\nSince 2014, many Members of Congress on a bipartisan basis have condemned Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine, promoted sanctions against Russia, and supported increased aid to Ukraine. Key legislation includes the Support for the Sovereignty, Integrity, Democracy, and Economic Stability of Ukraine Act of 2014 (H.R. 4152; P.L. 113-95; 22 U.S.C. 8901 et seq.); the Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014 (H.R. 5859; P.L. 113-272; 22 U.S.C. 8921 et seq.); and the Countering Russian Influence in Europe and Eurasia Act of 2017 (H.R. 3364; P.L. 115-44, Title II, Countering America\u2019s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act; 22 U.S.C. 9501 et seq.).\nIn 2018, Members of the 115th Congress agreed to resolutions condemning a Russian attack on Ukrainian naval vessels (S.Res. 709, H.Res. 1162) and calling for the cancellation of Nord Stream 2, a natural gas pipeline Russia is constructing to reduce reliance on Ukraine for transit to Europe (H.Res. 1035). In 2019, during the 116th Congress, the Senate agreed to S.Res. 74 to mark the fifth anniversary of Ukraine\u2019s Revolution of Dignity. In December 2019, Congress passed the Protecting Europe\u2019s Energy Security Act of 2019, which established sanctions related to the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline (S. 1790; P.L. 116-92, Title LXXV).\nOther Ukraine-related legislative initiatives in the 116th Congress include the Crimea Annexation Non-recognition Act (H.R. 596), the U.S.-Ukraine Security Cooperation Enhancement Act (H.R. 3047), the Defending American Security from Kremlin Aggression Act of 2019 (S. 482), and the Ukraine Religious Freedom Support Act (H.R. 5408, S. 3064). A resolution introduced in the House (H.Res. 802) would affirm the United States\u2019 \u201cresolute support for Ukraine in its efforts to counter Russian aggression and continue its trajectory among the community of democracies.\u201d\nFor related information, see CRS Report R45415, U.S. Sanctions on Russia, and CRS In Focus IF11138, Russia\u2019s Nord Stream 2 Pipeline: Will Sanctions Stop It?", "type": "CRS Report", "typeId": "REPORTS", "active": true, "formats": [ { "format": "HTML", "encoding": "utf-8", "url": "https://www.crs.gov/Reports/R45008", "sha1": "e1e065acf65da64483bfa307104d388cb46c6509", "filename": "files/20200429_R45008_e1e065acf65da64483bfa307104d388cb46c6509.html", "images": { "/products/Getimages/?directory=R/html/R45008_files&id=/1.png": "files/20200429_R45008_images_f41833db327952f5548643f061811c2fbbdfeea0.png", "/products/Getimages/?directory=R/html/R45008_files&id=/0.png": "files/20200429_R45008_images_af2c92500478f0feaa14de492575b8c3a12dd121.png" } }, { "format": "PDF", "encoding": null, "url": "https://www.crs.gov/Reports/pdf/R45008", "sha1": "e3102e65e35cca059be6ffecbe255f6174a8f006", "filename": "files/20200429_R45008_e3102e65e35cca059be6ffecbe255f6174a8f006.pdf", "images": {} } ], "topics": [ { "source": "IBCList", "id": 4786, "name": "Europe, Russia, & Eurasia" } ] }, { "source": "EveryCRSReport.com", "id": 605564, "date": "2019-09-19", "retrieved": "2019-10-10T22:30:08.466909", "title": "Ukraine: Background, Conflict with Russia, and U.S. Policy", "summary": "After Ukraine\u2019s transition to a new government under President Volodymyr Zelensky and his Servant of the People party, the country continues to grapple with serious challenges. President Zelensky has expressed a commitment to implementing difficult economic and governance reforms, promoting Ukraine\u2019s Western integration, rebuilding ties with residents of Russian-controlled areas of eastern Ukraine, and revitalizing talks with Russia on conflict resolution. The U.S. government has congratulated President Zelensky and all Ukrainians on their \u201cvibrant democracy\u201d and expressed \u201csteadfast support\u201d to Ukraine \u201cas it undertakes essential reforms.\u201d\nThe United States supports Ukraine\u2019s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, while actively promoting the continuation and consolidation of domestic reforms. Since Ukraine\u2019s independence, and especially after Russia\u2019s 2014 invasion, Ukraine has been a leading recipient of U.S. foreign, humanitarian, and military aid in Europe and Eurasia. Nonmilitary, non-humanitarian assistance totaled an average of $320 million a year from FY2015 to FY2018. The United States provides substantial military assistance to Ukraine, including via the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which provides \u201cappropriate security assistance and intelligence support\u201d to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.\nSince 2014, many Members of Congress have condemned Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine, promoted sanctions against Russia for its actions, and supported increased economic and security aid to Ukraine. Key legislation includes the Support for the Sovereignty, Integrity, Democracy, and Economic Stability of Ukraine Act of 2014 (SSIDES; P.L. 113-95; 22 U.S.C. 8901 et seq.), the Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014 (UFSA; P.L. 113-272; 22 U.S.C. 8921 et seq.), and the Countering Russian Influence in Europe and Eurasia Act of 2017 (CRIEEA; Title II of P.L. 115-44, Countering America\u2019s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act [CAATSA]; 22 U.S.C. 9501 et seq.).\nIn November-December 2018, Members of the 115th Congress passed resolutions condemning a Russian attack on Ukrainian naval vessels (S.Res. 709, H.Res. 1162). The 115th Congress also passed a resolution calling for the cancellation of Nord Stream 2, a new Baltic Sea pipeline Russia is constructing, and the imposition of sanctions with respect to the project (H.Res. 1035). In July 2019, during the 116th Congress, the Senate passed S.Res. 74 to mark the fifth anniversary of Ukraine\u2019s Revolution of Dignity.\nSeveral pieces of Ukraine-related legislation are under consideration in the 116th Congress. In March 2019, the House of Representatives voted 427-1 to pass H.R. 596, the Crimea Annexation Non-recognition Act, which asserts that it is the policy of the United States not to recognize Russia\u2019s claim of sovereignty over Crimea, its airspace, or its territorial waters. Several Members of Congress have sought to further respond to Russia\u2019s November 2018 attack on Ukrainian naval vessels (S.Res. 27, H.Res. 116, S. 482), express continuing opposition to Nord Stream 2 (S.Res. 27, H.R. 2023, H.R. 3206, S. 1441, H.Res. 116, S. 1830), and enhance U.S.-Ukraine security cooperation (H.R. 3047). \nFor related information, see CRS Report R45415, U.S. Sanctions on Russia, and CRS In Focus IF11138, Nord Stream 2: A Fait Accompli?", "type": "CRS Report", "typeId": "REPORTS", "active": true, "formats": [ { "format": "HTML", "encoding": "utf-8", "url": "https://www.crs.gov/Reports/R45008", "sha1": "1a3800b4993a9c18ff9bcb8ac7afda24488a9a3e", "filename": "files/20190919_R45008_1a3800b4993a9c18ff9bcb8ac7afda24488a9a3e.html", "images": { "/products/Getimages/?directory=R/html/R45008_files&id=/1.png": "files/20190919_R45008_images_20f48755bcf5657a80b74fe0e5949cc083cd7287.png", "/products/Getimages/?directory=R/html/R45008_files&id=/0.png": "files/20190919_R45008_images_954f594be105338c7ba9e71e21598ec926d36570.png" } }, { "format": "PDF", "encoding": null, "url": "https://www.crs.gov/Reports/pdf/R45008", "sha1": "faa7fbebc6447658bb0f5883ebba18f4f6d25630", "filename": "files/20190919_R45008_faa7fbebc6447658bb0f5883ebba18f4f6d25630.pdf", "images": {} } ], "topics": [ { "source": "IBCList", "id": 4786, "name": "Europe, Russia, & Eurasia" } ] }, { "source": "EveryCRSReport.com", "id": 575103, "date": "2017-11-01", "retrieved": "2017-11-07T14:14:56.895756", "title": "Ukraine: Background and U.S. Policy", "summary": "In February 2014, protests over the Ukrainian government\u2019s decision to postpone concluding an association agreement that would lead to closer relations with the European Union (EU) culminated in violence and the collapse of then-President Viktor Yanukovych\u2019s government. The government that followed pledged to embrace pro-Western reforms, and an energized civil society supported its efforts. Within weeks, the new government was forced to confront Russian armed interventions in southern and eastern Ukraine. These culminated in Russia\u2019s occupation of Ukraine\u2019s Crimea region in March 2014 and a protracted conflict in eastern Ukraine, where observers consider that the Russian government has fostered and supported pro-Russian separatists.\nEven while waging a defensive conflict, Ukraine\u2019s government under President Petro Poroshenko has professed a commitment to economic reform, Western integration, and democratic norms. At the same time, many observers consider that Ukraine\u2019s reforms remain fragile and that the government has progressed slowly in certain areas. International donors and domestic civil society organizations continue to encourage the Ukrainian government to implement necessary measures, including with regard to fighting corruption. After an economic decline in 2014-2015, some signs of financial and economic stabilization have emerged, due in part to international assistance including a multibillion dollar International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan package. Observers caution, however, that economic growth depends on continuation of critical reforms.\nThe United States has long supported Ukraine\u2019s pro-Western orientation and reform efforts. It supports the restoration of Ukraine\u2019s territorial integrity, including with respect to Crimea, as well as implementation of the Minsk agreements that would establish a cease-fire and conflict settlement in eastern Ukraine. In 2014, the United States, in coordination with the European Union and others, imposed sanctions on Russia for its actions in Ukraine.\nThe United States is a leading contributor of foreign assistance to Ukraine, including over $300 million a year since FY2015 in nonmilitary, nonhumanitarian assistance. The United States also provides substantial military assistance to Ukraine, including via a newly established Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative that provides \u201cappropriate security assistance and intelligence support\u201d to help Ukraine defend against aggression and support its sovereignty and territorial integrity. \nThe Trump Administration has continued a policy of support to Ukraine. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Poroshenko have met twice, in June and September 2017. The Administration requested relatively substantial economic and military assistance to Ukraine for FY2018. In July 2017, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson announced the appointment of a new U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations, elevating the U.S. role in the conflict settlement process. Secretary Tillerson has stated repeatedly that Ukraine-related sanctions on Russia will remain in place \u201cuntil Moscow reverses the actions that triggered\u201d them. \nThe U.S. Congress has actively participated in efforts to address the Ukraine conflict since its onset. Many Members have condemned Russia\u2019s annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine and pushed to impose and retain sanctions against Russia for its actions. Congress has also supported substantial economic and security assistance for Ukraine. Key legislation includes the Support for the Sovereignty, Integrity, Democracy, and Economic Stability of Ukraine Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-95), the Ukraine Freedom Support Act (P.L. 113-272), and the Countering Russian Influence in Europe and Eurasia Act of 2017 (P.L. 115-44, Title II).", "type": "CRS Report", "typeId": "REPORTS", "active": true, "formats": [ { "format": "HTML", "encoding": "utf-8", "url": "http://www.crs.gov/Reports/R45008", "sha1": "3b2c9256fdc801acb3e81db22c1b21e5432093bf", "filename": "files/20171101_R45008_3b2c9256fdc801acb3e81db22c1b21e5432093bf.html", "images": { "/products/Getimages/?directory=R/html/R45008_files&id=/1.png": "files/20171101_R45008_images_53f828b6ef2b146ae199025a196b8623c725f158.png", "/products/Getimages/?directory=R/html/R45008_files&id=/0.png": "files/20171101_R45008_images_33543abdf9c812eebc214c066fa877fe1a83c439.png" } }, { "format": "PDF", "encoding": null, "url": "http://www.crs.gov/Reports/pdf/R45008", "sha1": "2537513bced5b72436e3c9e1f97c81483e3a7c10", "filename": "files/20171101_R45008_2537513bced5b72436e3c9e1f97c81483e3a7c10.pdf", "images": {} } ], "topics": [] } ], "topics": [ "European Affairs", "Foreign Affairs", "Intelligence and National Security", "National Defense" ] }