The visit of "the most respected member of the Trump administration" - US Defense Secretary James Mattis - to Kyiv on Independence Day will be "a powerful signal from America to the Ukrainian people."
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Former US Ambassador to Ukraine and Executive Director of the Institute of Peace William Taylor stated this on air on the 112 TV channel.
According to him, US Special Representative for Ukraine Kurt Volker is “also a strong supporter of Ukraine.”
“I don’t think Volcker is ready to make any statements. He really wants to talk to Ukrainians, Russians and other Europeans. He wants to understand whether it is possible for the Russians and Ukrainians to reach agreement on certain principles. He has a clear position regarding the sovereignty of Ukraine and its integrity, including Crimea,” Taylor said.
In his opinion, the United States will not negotiate behind Ukraine’s back.
“The negotiations will not be conducted by Americans and Russians or Russians, Germans and French. Ukrainians are the most important participants in the negotiations. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a threat to Europe and the United States, a threat to the order that has allowed Europe to be free of serious conflict for 70 years. This order, threatened by Russia, is concentrated in Ukraine. Ukraine is an important part of US national security,” Taylor said.
He also gave advice on how Ukraine should behave.
“Continue to do what will receive the support of the United States and the international community. This includes economic reforms, government reforms, judicial reform. This will make it easier for the international community to control Ukraine,” Taylor said.