Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk joins Thomas Graham, managing director of Kissinger Associates, to discuss challenges and options for Ukraine. With a fragile cease-fire in place, Yatsenyuk describes two options going forward: a military one, in which he says Ukraine alone is no match for Russian forces, or a peace process, which he says can be successful only if the United States and the European Union have a place at the table. Yatsenyuk reviews gains made in the last six months, including implementing austerity measures and securing International Monetary Fund and World Bank support. He expresses hope that additional leadership will emerge in the October parliamentary elections and that reforms will be implemented on a fast track. To address Ukraine's dependence on Russia for gas, Yatsenyuk discusses procuring gas from the EU, creating new deals with foreign-based extraction companies, decreasing energy consumption, and working with the international legal system to strike a market-based energy deal with Russia. Yatsenyuk commends the United States for leading the sanctions effort against Russia, citing effects on Russia's currency, foreign reserves, and inflation, and advises lifting sanctions if Russia leaves Crimea.
Speaker:
Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Prime Minister, Ukraine
