Expanding Cooperation Between Ukraine and the U.S.: A Win-Win Strategy

On Tuesday, January 14, Anatoliy Amelin, Executive Director and Head of Economic Programs at the Ukrainian Institute for the Future (UIF), together with Yana Lavryk, Economic Programs Expert at UIF, presented the findings of their research, Expanding Ukraine–U.S. Cooperation: A Win-Win Strategy. The presentation was followed by a discussion featuring prominent experts in diplomacy, business, and economics. 

“The United States is a highly pragmatic country. Their interests come first, and we’ve studied them carefully. The goal of this research is to determine our position in this equation and propose ways to intensify cooperation between Ukraine and the U.S. across various sectors—benefiting both sides.” – Anatoliy Amelin 

Comprehensive Analysis of Ukraine–U.S. Economic Relations

The event focused on an in-depth analysis of the current state of Ukraine–U.S. economic cooperation, exploring opportunities and potential benefits. The research aimed to identify areas where both nations can effectively collaborate. 

Structure of the Event

The event was divided into two parts: 

1. Presentation of Research Findings by:

– Anatoliy Amelin, Executive Director, UIF

– Yana Lavryk, Economic Programs Expert, UIF 

2. Panel Discussion with invited experts:

– Vadym Prystaiko, Ukrainian diplomat, former Minister of Foreign Affairs (2019–2020) and Ukraine’s Ambassador to the UK (2020–2023)

– Serhiy Vlasenko, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine (Digital Development)

– Mykhailo Bno-Airiian, Special Trade Representative and Chair of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine Committee

– Serhiy Voytsehovskyi, Board Member, BGV Group Management

– Natalia Sydoruk, GR Director, Interpipe

– Vladyslav Faraponov, Head of the Institute of American Studies, Analyst at Internews Ukraine

– Andriy Tarasenko, Chief Analyst, GMK Center 

Key Insights from the Research Presentation

During the first part of the presentation, Yana Lavryk highlighted that since the start of the war, Ukraine has received $95 billion in aid from the United States. However, she stressed that now is the time to transition from unilateral assistance to a mutually beneficial “win-win” partnership model.  

Lavryk emphasized the U.S. approach to aid—ensuring macroeconomic stability and providing essential resources for survival. While economic development is a desirable outcome, it is not guaranteed.

She referenced historical examples, such as Israel and South Korea, which successfully leveraged U.S. assistance to transform their economies and achieve self-sufficiency. 

Anatoliy Amelin noted that comparisons between Ukraine and these nations are increasingly relevant. Since 1946, the U.S. has invested over $400 billion in these countries, turning them into economic powerhouses. 

“Today, we are like an African nation. We need to become a developed European country—this must be part of our strategy. The U.S. is not a charity; every dollar is accounted for. We must ensure that our cooperation is mutually beneficial.” – Anatoliy Amelin 

Opportunities for a Win-Win Partnership

The research identified key motivations behind U.S. trade preferences and agreements, which are often driven by geopolitical interests—including the promotion of democratic values, security enhancement, and the protection of American economic interests. Ukraine must take these factors into account to position itself as a valuable partner.

The main focus of the discussion was on the potential for expanding Ukraine–U.S. cooperation:

– Investments in the extraction and processing of critical materials;

– Metallurgy and agriculture – expanding trade and developing joint projects in processing industries;

– Positioning Ukraine as an “innovation cluster” for the U.S. and its allies.

Anatoliy Amelin emphasized creating favorable conditions in Ukraine to attract American investors, emphasizing that “we should not be a country that merely produces and exports raw materials.” He highlighted Ukraine’s potential for developing new technologies, citing the historic downing of a helicopter by a Ukrainian drone as evidence.

Highlights from the Panel Discussion

The second part of the event focused on actionable strategies to strengthen Ukraine–US bilateral partnerships and develop new initiatives for strategic growth:

– Andriy Tarasenko addressed trade barriers in the metallurgical sector, noting that overcoming these challenges requires restructuring Ukraine’s relationships with American partners.

– Vadym Prystaiko emphasized the importance of increasing market access for Ukrainian products, noting that sectors like defense, security, and aerospace are natural areas of state control, while the private sector must lead other industries.

– Serhiy Vlasenko outlined Ukraine’s potential in lithium and titanium production, stressing the need for modernization and US partnerships to capitalize on these resources.

– Natalia Sydoruk shared the success story of Interpipe’s high-margin tubular products in the US market, proving that businesses can thrive by adhering to regulations and finding solutions within the legal framework.

– Serhiy Voytsehovskyi called for teamwork within Ukraine, stating, “America is our strategic partner, but we need to do our homework. Both business and government must work as a team to achieve shared goals.”

– Vladyslav Faraponov highlighted the importance of engaging US state governors and local politicians to expand market opportunities, though he acknowledged this as a long-term effort.

– Mykhailo Bno-Airiian stressed the need to maintain business activity in rural areas, citing the critical role of Ukrainian businesses in sustaining the country’s resilience and future growth.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The experts unanimously agreed that Ukraine’s economic transformation requires a shift from a resource-based modelto one centered on innovation and productivity. While this transition demands significant effort, a strategic partnership with the U.S. can make it achievable.

Anatoliy Amelin announced that the research findings will be presented in Washington, D.C., on February 5, 2025, marking a crucial step toward strengthening Ukraine–U.S. relations.

We express our gratitude to everyone who participated in this important discussion. To watch a recording of the event, visit UIF’s Facebook page.

Stay tuned for the announcement of our next event.