Main takeaways.

On September 1 the two presidents finally had the opportunity to meet, clear the air and establish a personal relationship. It appears that mutual trust and confidence have been restored and bilateral relations bolstered in what both referred to as an enhanced strategic partnership. A broad-ranging joint US-Ukrainian statement was issued affirming this, announcing the creation of a joint commission to elaborate it further, and declaring that bilateral relations are “stronger than ever.” Agreements on strategic defense partnership, cooperation in the energy, scientific, space, information protection, and border security spheres were signed providing additional constituent components to this elevated form of cooperation. The US has reaffirmed its opposition to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project and support for Ukraine’s NATO membership bid.