US Undersecretary vows continued backing for Ukraine’s war, anti-corruption efforts

U.S. Undersecretary of State Uzra Zeya has reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering support for Ukraine, highlighting both its battle against Russian aggression and its internal fight against corruption.

Her visit comes as Ukraine continues to push for more military assistance while simultaneously grappling with longstanding governance challenges.

In an interview with RFE/RL on October 18, Zeya emphasized, “Our message, building on the visit of Administrator Power, and Secretary Blinken in recent weeks is a straightforward one: U.S. support is steadfast in the face of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine.” The U.S. remains committed to ensuring that Ukraine “prevails” in the conflict, with Washington prioritizing not only military support but also the strengthening of democratic resilience, Zeya stressed.

Zeya’s trip follows a series of high-level visits to Kyiv, including those by USAID chief Samantha Power and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. While delivering continued military aid remains a central concern, Zeya’s discussions with Ukrainian leaders also focused on reforming governance, particularly tackling corruption, which Western allies have urged Kyiv to address.

“The United States is proudly supporting Ukraine’s tremendous anti-corruption gains,” Zeya stated. She pointed to strides made in judicial reforms, noting the doubling of anti-corruption indictments and convictions over the past 16 months. Zeya also announced a new $5 million partnership to enhance cooperation between Ukrainian civil society and anti-corruption institutions, aimed at increasing government transparency.

As Ukraine seeks to strengthen its ties with Europe, Zeya underscored the importance of these reforms for Ukraine’s future integration with the European Union, a goal hampered by historical corruption issues. “The fact that Ukraine is consistently rising in Transparency International’s annual rankings… really speaks to the tenacity, resourcefulness, and determination of Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts,” she remarked.

While Western nations continue to supply military aid, they have also pressed Ukraine to address internal corruption, which remains a key obstacle to Ukraine’s full integration with Europe.

The U.S. diplomat is set to continue her tour in Poland and Britain, bolstering regional support for Ukraine amidst Russia’s ongoing invasion.