Unusual. That’s certainly a word that can be used to describe 2019 in terms of U.S.-Ukraine relations, as Ukraine unwittingly found itself in the middle of the U.S. impeachment process. At the same time, Ukraine continued to enjoy the support of the United States, especially in the U.S. Congress, where the support was strong and bipartisan.
At the beginning of the year, on January 15, Rep. Mike Quigley (D- Ill.) was appointed to serve as co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus, joining fellow Co-Chairs Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), Andy Harris (R-Md.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.). Rep. Quigley said on January 15: “Through several visits to Ukraine, my position on the House Intelligence and Appropriations Committees, and my representation of a prominent and active Ukrainian American community, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of a strong U.S.-Ukraine relationship. I look forward to working with fellow Co-Chairs Kaptur, Harris and Fitzpatrick in our shared mission to fortify Ukrainian sovereignty and democracy.”