A letter to readers from first U.S. ambassador to Ukraine

Dear Readers:

As we begin the new year, I thought it would be of interest to you to know the status of our work in the U.S. Embassy in Kyyiv. The new year poses many challenges, but over the past seven months we have established a firm foundation on which to proceed.

Since I arrived at post in June, we have experienced some dramatic progress, due largely to the dedicated and talented staff. Their can-do attitude is witnessed by the fact that Embassy Kyyiv has led U.S. embassies in the newly independent states in the implementation of a number of programs.

In June we organized the first U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which became officially registered by the Ukrainian government in September. That month I presented the board of directors of the Chamber to President Leonid Kravchuk, who pledged to work closely with the chamber in order to institute market reforms and faster, greater U.S. investment in Ukraine. In June, when I arrived, there were about 40 U.S. companies operating or about to open operations in Ukraine. That number has now more than doubled.

In June, we opened the Defense Attache Office, which brought about the immediate strengthening of our bilateral military ties. The office is manned by two officers and is responsible for supervising the International Military Education Training program. Currently, there are two Ukrainian officers studying in the U.S., and we have offered Ukraine the opportunity to compete for slots at West Point and the Air Force Academy.

On August 3, we opened the first "non-immigrant" visa line in the newly independent states and are currently processing about 100 visa applications daily. In August, we also opened the Foreign Commercial Section in the Embassy.

On September 3, the Kyyiv International School opened its doors. Presently it has an enrollment of 14 students with the expectation of more students in January. The school, located next door to the Embassy, has an English-language, U.S. curriculum. The students also have daily one-half hour Ukrainian language classes. Ukrainian students are also part of the student body.

On October 23 a six-member Marine contingent arrived at post and is already providing security for the Embassy. On November 10, we had an official flag-raising ceremony and on November 14 we held the traditional Marine Ball.

On November 15, the first contingent of 50 Peace Corps volunteers arrived in Kiev. It is envisaged that the program will expand to 200 volunteers over a two-year period. The first group of volunteers, who are undergoing training now, will be ready to deploy throughout Ukraine in February 1993 and will concentrate on promoting entrepreneurship and privatization.

On November 30, the U.S. Information Service moved into its new premises outside the Chancery and opened the doors to the first functioning America House. We expect to have a more formal inaugural ceremony in the near future. The America House brings a little bit of the United States - our culture, political life and economic progress, plus education resources - to the Ukrainian public.

In addition to USIS and the Peace Corps, the Agency for International Development has also located space for its operations outside the Embassy building. AID has undertaken a number of varied programs, including those in agriculture, energy and defense conversion. The Foreign Commercial Service is expected to move into new offices in January with the aim of opening an American Business Center.

The Embassy staff has grown considerably. At the time of my nomination, I was assigned a staff of 15 American personnel. We now have 39 Americans and 50 Ukrainians, and by late spring of 1993 our full complement of 45 Americans will be at post. This figure includes not only State personnel but also the Marines and other agencies. This figure, however, will be augmented during the summer of 1993. I have recently concurred in an increase of personnel for USIS (1), the Foreign Commercial Service (2), and the creation of a Defense Cooperation Office (1), attached to the Defense Attache Office. These personnel should be at post in the summer of 1993. In addition, AID is planning to increase its staff by three officers by the early autumn of 1993.

The Chancery will begin a major renovation in January. The renovation, which will include structural, electrical and security upgrades, should be finished by July 1993.

Housing for staff continues to be a serious problem. We have a few apartments that meet U.S. standards. The majority of staff are housed in older apartments, which we upgrade by providing Western appliances and by painting and repair work. There is still no ambassador's residence.

On the policy side, I have focused my attention on furthering the U.S. business presence, on monitoring Ukraine's arms control commitments, such as START ratification, and on the development of democratic and market reform processes in Ukraine.

The Embassy staff is not only helping to establish our bilateral relationship but is also assisting Ukraine in solidifying its age-old dream of independence and freedom. The sense of history we are participating in is exhilarating and a reward in itself.

I want to thank the Ukrainian American community for its support as we continue to build our relationship with Ukraine.

I wish you all a Happy New Year.

Sincerely,
Roman Popadiuk

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, January 10, 1993, No. 2, Vol. LXI

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