A recent U.S. State Department strategy memo detailing the top priorities for Ukraine \u2014 ravaged by war against Russia since last year \u2014 shows the Biden administration has concerns over purported corruption in the Eastern European country but still supports continued aid to the region.<\/p>\n
According to the 22-page document, called the Integrated Country Strategy, the \u2018biggest challenge is winning the war,\u2019 but \u2018Ukraine has a unique opportunity in the current moment to commit to the anti-corruption and judicial reforms needed to realize the aspirations of the Ukrainian people.\u2019<\/p>\n
The document outlines several objectives and timelines for each that the U.S. government wants to see Ukraine reach.<\/p>\n
The document reiterates U.S. support for Ukraine with \u2018continued military and security assistance\u2019 but adds, \u2018A clear, transparent strategy to deoligarch the economy and deliver prosperity for all is central to these reforms.\u2019<\/p>\n
\u2018Even as Ukraine fights to liberate its territory, the fight for the future is also important,\u2019 the document states. \u2018President Zelenskyy campaigned on a promise to clean up corruption and remains publicly committed to rebuilding a Ukraine that benefits all of society. Ukraine cannot afford to push reforms to a post-war period. The country must lay the framework to win the future even now.\u2019<\/p>\n
It adds, \u2018Ukraine must move against entrenched, politically influential interests to succeed now and in the post-war recovery. Reforms in the energy sector, a bastion of corruption and oligarchic control, are essential to cementing Ukraine\u2019s European integration.\u2019<\/p>\n
The mostly unnoticed document, approved for public release on Aug. 29, provides another layer to the administration\u2019s support for Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of not only making public commitments to reform but also ensuring their actual implementation. This, it suggests, will not only bolster confidence among private sector investors for the country\u2019s recovery but also strengthen U.S. and international support in military, development, and economic spheres.<\/p>\n
Following through on U.S. commitments to provide equipment and training is crucial in supporting Ukraine\u2019s armed forces against Kremlin-led aggressions, the document notes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The document also outlines enhancing the U.S. diplomatic presence in Ukraine, including exploring the possibility of expanding U.S. presence beyond Kyiv to possibly Lviv, Odesa, Kharkiv and Dnipro.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, mostly GOP lawmakers have repeatedly called for more rigorous oversight to Ukranian aid, and the U.S. government averted a shutdown this weekend in a spending bill passed by Congress that left out assistance to the nation.<\/p>\n
President Biden said in a statement Sunday after the funding bill passed late Saturday night that America\u2019s support for Ukraine \u2018cannot be interrupted.\u2019<\/p>\n
\u2018We have time, not much time, and there\u2019s an overwhelming sense of urgency,\u2019 he said. The spending bill expires on Nov. 17.<\/p>\n
Fox News Digital reached out to the U.S. Department of State for comment but did not hear back by time of publication.\u00a0<\/p>\n