U.S. Grants Ukraine Market-Economy Status

The news came as no surprise, as Washington gave notice back in July that it intended to grant market economy status to Ukraine.

The timing comes as a welcome boost to Ukraine's beleaguered President Viktor Yushchenko, who faces an examination of his term in office during parliamentary elections in March.

The U.S. move follows a decision by the European Union to grant Kyiv market-economy status, announced by British Prime Minister Tony Blair during a state visit in December. Yushchenko described the EU decision as a "huge step" for Ukraine.

At the time of the EU decision, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said Ukraine had come a very long way in a very short time and had met the key technical criteria required to obtain its new status.

Evidently, Washington has come to the same conclusion. Askold Krushelnycky, a close observer of Ukrainian affairs, who has just written a book on the Orange Revolution that swept Yushchenko to power, sees today's recognition as an important boost to Ukraine's trade prospects.

"Ukraine does need to improve the situation with the United States," Krushelnycky says. "They've been pressing for a Soviet-era measure which blocks trade or hampers trade, called the Jackson-Vanik amendment, to be lifted and Ukraine wants to broaden its trade base."

At present, Ukraine's main trading partner is the European Union, followed closely by Russia. But its steel producers are longing for a chance to break into the U.S. market. Today's step removes at least one of the obstacles on the way. Ukraine will be better protected now against charges of illegally dumping goods on the U.S. market.

Just as critically, the U.S. recognition -- like that of the EU before it -- helps pave the way for Kyiv's membership in the World Trade Organization.

That momentous step, however, will depend on whether Ukraine's next parliament will be able to pass the raft of legislation still required for its membership to be considered.