UKRAINE

Compiled from the December 2003 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes.

Official Name:
Ukraine

PROFILE
PEOPLE
HISTORY
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS
ECONOMY
FOREIGN RELATIONS
U.S.-UKRAINIAN RELATIONS
TRAVEL

PROFILE

Geography

Area: 233,000 sq. mi.

Cities: Capital—Kiev (often transliterated as Kyiv from Ukrainian, pop. 2.8 million). Other cities—Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Don etsk, Odesa, Lviv.

Terrain: A vast plain mostly bounded by the Carpathian mountains in the southwest and by the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov in the South.

Climate: Continental temperate, except in southern Crimea, which has a sub-tropical climate.

People

Population: (est.) 47.72 million.

Nationality: Noun—Ukrainian(s); adjective—Ukrainian.

Ethnic groups: Ukrainians, Russians, Belarussians, Moldovans, Hungarians, Bulgarians, Jews, Poles, Crimean Tatars, and other groups.

Religions: Ukrainian Orthodoxy, Ukrainian Greek Catholicism, Judaism, Roman Catholicism, Islam

Languages: Ukrainian (official), Russian, others.

Education: Literacy—98%.

Health: Infant mortality rate—22/1,000; life expectancy—61.6 yrs. males, 72.8 yrs. females.

Work force: 23 million. Industry and construction—32%; agriculture and forestry—24%; health, education, and culture—17%; transport and communication—7%.

Government

Type: presidential-parliamentary.

Independence: August 24, 1991.

Constitution: First post-Soviet constitution adopted June 28, 1996.

Branches: Executive—president, prime minister, cabinet. Legislative—450-member unicameral parliament, the Supreme Rada (members elected to 4-year terms). Judicial—Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal, local courts, and Constitutional Court.

Political parties: Wide range of active political parties and blocs, from leftist to center and center-right to ultra-nationalist.

Suffrage: Universal at 18.

Administrative subdivisions: 24 provinces, Crimean autonomous republic, and two cities with special status—Kiev and Sevastopol.

Economy

Nominal GDP: (2003 est.) $46.34 billion.

Annual growth rate: (2003 est.) 5.5-6.0%.

Nominal Per Capita GDP: (2003 est.) $970.

Natural resources: Vast fertile lands, coal, ironstone, complexore, various large mineral deposits, timber.

Agriculture: Products—Grain, sugar, sunflower seeds.

Industry: Types—Ferrous metals and products, coke, fertilizer, airplanes, turbines, metallurgical equipment, diesel locomotives, tractors.

Trade: (2002) Exports—$17.95 billion: Ferrous and nonferrous metals, mineral products, chemicals, machinery, transport equipment, grain, and textiles. Imports—$16,97 billion: Energy, mineral fuel and oil, machinery and parts, transportation equipment, chemicals, textiles, and paper.

PEOPLE

The population of Ukraine is about 47.72 million. Ethnic Ukrainians make up about 73% of the total; ethnic Russians number about 22%, ethnic Belarussians number about 5%. The industrial regions in the east and southeast are the most heavily populated, and the urban population makes up about 67% of the population. Ukrainian and Russian are the principal languages. Although Russian is very widely spoken, in the 1989 census (the latest official figures) 88% of the population identified Ukrainian as their native language. The dominant religions are the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (which practices Orthodox rites but recognizes the Pope as head of the Church). The largest part of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church belongs to the Moscow Patriarchy; however, following Ukrainian independence a separate Kiev Patriarchy was also established, which declared independence from Moscow. In addition to these, there is also a Ukrainian Auto-cephalous Orthodox Church.

The birth rate of Ukraine is declining. About 70% of adult Ukrainians have a secondary or higher education. Ukraine has about 150 colleges and universities, of which the most important are at Kiev, Lviv, and Kharkiv. There are about 70,000 scholars in 80 research institutes.

HISTORY

The first identifiable groups to populate what is now Ukraine were Cimmerians, Scythians, Sarmatians, and Goths, among other nomadic peoples who arrived throughout the first millennium B.C. These peoples were well known to colonists and traders in the ancient world, including Greeks and Romans, who established trading outposts that eventually became city-states. Slavic tribes occupied central and eastern Ukraine in the sixth century A.D. and played an important role in the establishment of Kiev. Situated on lucrative trade routes, Kiev quickly prospered as the center of the powerful state of Kievan Rus. In the 11th century, Kievan Rus was, geographically, the largest state in Europe. Christian missionaries, Cyril and Methodius, propagated the Christian faith and the Cyrillic alphabet. Kievan Rus Prince Volodymyr converted the Kievan nobility and most of the population to Christianity in 988. Conflict among the feudal lords led to decline in the 12th century. Mongol raiders razed Kiev in the 13th century.

Most of the territory of what is modern Ukraine was annexed by Poland and Lithuania in the 14th century, but during that time, Ukrainians began to conceive of themselves as a distinct people, a feeling that survived subsequent partitioning by greater powers over the next centuries. Ukrainian peasants who fled the Polish effort to force them into servitude came to be known as Cossacks and earned a reputation for their fierce martial spirit and love of freedom. In 1667, Ukraine was partitioned between Poland and Russia. In 1793, when Poland was partitioned, much of modern-day Ukraine was integrated into the Russian Empire.

The 19th century found the region largely agricultural, with a few cities and centers of trade and learning. The region was under the control of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the extreme west and the Russian Empire elsewhere. Ukrainian writers and intellectuals were inspired by the nationalistic spirit stirring other European peoples existing under other imperial governments and were determined to revive Ukrainian linguistic and cultural traditions and reestablish a Ukrainian state. Taras Shevchenko (1814-1861), national hero of Ukraine, presented the intellectual maturity of the Ukrainian language and culture through his work as a poet and artist. Imperial Russia, however, imposed strict limits on attempts to elevate Ukrainian culture, even banning the use and study of the Ukrainian language.

When World War I and the Russian revolution shattered the Habsburg and Russian empires, Ukrainians declared independent statehood. In 1917 the Central Rada proclaimed Ukrainian autonomy and in 1918, following the Bolshevik seizure of power in Petrograd, the Ukrainian National Republic declared independence under President Mykhaylo Hrushevsky. After three years of conflict and civil war, however, the western part of Ukrainian territory was incorporated into Poland, while the larger, central and eastern regions were incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1922 as the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic.

The Ukrainian national idea persevered during the twenties, but with Stalin's rise to power and the campaign for collectivization, the Soviet leadership imposed a campaign of terror that ravaged the intellectual class. Stalin also created an artificial famine (called the Holodomor in Ukrainian) as part of his forced collectivization policies, which killed millions of previously independent peasants and others throughout the country. Estimates of deaths from the 1932-33 famine alone range from 3 million to 7 million.

When the Nazis invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, some Ukrainians, particularly in the west, welcomed what they saw as liberation from Communist rule, but this did not last as they quickly came to understand the nature of Nazi rule. Nazi brutality was directed principally against Ukraine's Jews (of whom an estimated 1 million were killed), but also against many other Ukrainians. Babyn Yar in Kiev was the site of one of the most horrific Nazi massacres of Ukrainian Jews, ethnic Ukrainians, and many others. Kiev and other parts of the country were heavily damaged.

After the Nazi and Soviet invasions of Poland in 1939, the western Ukrainian regions were incorporated into the Soviet Union. Armed resistance against Soviet authority continued as late as the 1950s. During periods of relative liberalization—as under Nikita Khrushchev from 1955 to 1964 and during the period of "perestroika" under Mikhail Gorbachev — Ukrainian communists pursued nationalist objectives. The 1986 explosion at the Chornobyl (Chernobyl in Russian) nuclear power plant, located in the Ukrainian SSR, and the Soviet government's initial efforts to conceal the extent of the catastrophe from its own people and the world, was a watershed for many Ukrainians in exposing the severe problems of the Soviet system. Ukraine became an independent state on August 24, 1991, and was a co-founder of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, although it has not officially joined the organization.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS

Ukraine has a presidential/parliamentary system of government with separate executive, judicial, and legislative branches. The president nominates the prime minister, who must be confirmed by the parliament. The 450-member unicameral parliament (Supreme Rada) initiates legislation, ratifies international agreements, and approves the budget. Its members are elected to four-year terms. Following free elections held on December 1, 1991, Leonid M. Kravchuk, former chairman of the Ukrainian Rada, was elected president for a five-year term. At the same time, a referendum on independence was approved by more than 90% of the voters. Political groupings in Ukraine include former communists, socialists, agrarians, liberals, nationalists and various centrist and independent forces.

Shortly after becoming independent, Ukraine named a parliamentary commission to prepare a new constitution, adopted a multi-party system, and adopted legislative guarantees of civil and political rights for national minorities. A new, democratic constitution was adopted on June 28, 1996, which mandates a pluralistic political system with protection of basic human rights and liberties.

Freedom of religion is guaranteed by law, although religious organizations are required to register with local authorities and with the central government. Minority rights are respected in accordance with a 1991 law guaranteeing ethnic minorities the right to schools and cultural facilities and the use of national languages in conducting personal business. According to the constitution, Ukrainian is the only official state language. In Crimea and some parts of eastern Ukraine—areas with substantial ethnic Russian minorities—local and regional governments permit Russian as a language for local official correspondence.

Freedom of speech and press are guaranteed by law and by the constitution, but authorities sometimes interfere with the news media through intimidation and other forms of pressure. In particular, the failure of the government to conduct a thorough, credible, and transparent investigation into the 2000 disappearance and murder of independent journalist Heorhiy Gongadze, in which government officials have been credibly implicated, has had a negative effect on Ukraine's international image.

Ethnic tensions in Crimea during 1992 prompted a number of pro-Russian political organizations to advocate secession of Crimea and annexation to Russia. (Crimea was ceded by the RSFSR to the Ukrainian SSR in 1954, in recognition of historic links and for economic convenience, to mark the 300th anniversary of Ukraine's union with Russia.) In July 1992, the Crimean and Ukrainian parliaments determined that Crimea would remain under Ukrainian jurisdiction while retaining significant cultural and economic autonomy.

Official trade unions have been grouped under the Federation of Trade Unions. A number of independent unions, which emerged during 1992, among them the Independent Union of Miners of Ukraine, have formed the Consultative Council of Free Trade Unions. While the right to strike is legally guaranteed, strikes based solely on political demands are prohibited.

In July 1994, Leonid Kuchma was elected as Ukraine's second president in free and fair elections. Kuchma was reelected in November 1999 to another five-year term, with 56 percent of the vote. International observers criticized aspects of the election, especially slanted media coverage; however, the outcome of the vote was not called into question. In March 2002, Ukraine held its most recent parliamentary elections, which were characterized by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) as flawed, but an improvement over the 1998 elections. The pro-presidential For a United Ukraine bloc won the largest number of seats, followed by the reformist Our Ukraine bloc of former Prime Minister Viktor Yushchenko, and the Communist Party. There are 450 seats in parliament, with half chosen from party lists by proportional vote and half from individual constituencies.

Security forces are controlled by the president, although they are subject to investigation by a permanent parliamentary commission. Surveillance is permitted for reasons of national security.

Ukraine established its own military forces of about 780,000 from the troops and equipment inherited from the Soviet Union. It has reduced this figure to approximately 295,000 (plus 90,000 civilian workers in the Ministry of Defense), with the goal of further reductions to around 275,000 by 2005. Ukraine's stated national policy is Euro-Atlantic integration, including with both NATO and the European Union. Ukraine has a Distinctive Partnership with NATO and has been an active participant in Partnership for Peace exercises and in Balkans peacekeeping. Ukrainian units have been serving in Kosovo, in the U.S. sector, and in Iraq, in the Polish-led division.

Principal Government Officials
Last Updated: 2/9/04

President: Kuchma, Leonid

Chmn., Rada (parliament): Lytvyn, Volodymyr

Prime Minister: Yanukovych, Viktor

First Dep. Prime Min.: Azarov, Mykola

Dep. Prime Min. for Agro industrial Complex: Kyrylenko, Ivan

Dep. Prime Min. for Fuel & Energy Complex: Kluyev, Andriy

Dep. Prime Min. for Humanitarian Affairs: Tabachnyk, Dmytro

Min. of Agriculture: Slauta, Viktor

Min. of Culture & Arts: Bohutskyy, Yuriy

Min. of Defense: Marchuk, Yevhen

Min. of Ecology & Natural Resources: Polyakov, Serhiy

Min. of Economy: Derkach, Mykola

Min. of Education & Science: Kremin, Vasyl

Min. of Emergency Situations: Reva, Hryhoriy

Min. of Family, Children, & Youth Affairs: Dovzhenko, Valentyna

Min. of Finance: Azarov, Mykola

Min. of Foreign Affairs: Gryshchenko, Kostyantyn

Min. of Fuel & Energy: Yermilov, Serhiy

Min. of Health: Pidayev, Andriy

Min. of Industrial Policy: Neustroyev, Oleksandr

Min. of Internal Affairs: Bilokon, Mykola

Min. of Justice: Lavrynovych, Oleksandr

Min. of Labor & Social Policy: Papivey, Mykhaylo

Min. of Transportation: Kirpa, Hryhoriy

Sec., National Security & Defense Council: Radchenko, Volodmyr

State Sec. for the Cabinet of Ministers:

Chief, Presidential Administration: Medvedchuk, Viktor

Chmn., National Bank: Tihipko, Serhiy

Chmn., Security Service: Smeshko, Ihor

Chmn., State Property Fund: Chechetov, Mykhaylo

Procurator General: Vasylyev, Hennadiy

Ambassador to the US: Reznik, Mykhaylo

Permanent Representative to the UN, New York: Kuchynskyy, Valeriy

Ukraine maintains an embassy at 3350 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 (tel. 202-333-0606)

ECONOMY

Ukraine has many of the components of a major European economy — rich farmlands, a well-developed industrial base, highly trained labor, and a good education system. After eight straight years of sharp economic decline from the early to late 1990s, the standard of living for most citizens declined more than 50%, leading to widespread poverty. In the last four years economic growth has resumed averaging 5-6% per year and personal incomes have begun to rise. The macro economy is stable, with the hyperinflation of the early post-Soviet period having been tamed. Ukraine's currency, the hryvnia, was introduced in September 1996, and has remained stable. While economic growth continues, Ukraine's long-term economic prospects depend on acceleration of market reforms. The economy remains burdened by excessive government regulation, corruption, and lack of law enforcement, and while small and medium enterprises have been largely privatized, much remains to be done to restructure and privatize key sectors such as energy and telecommunications.

Ukraine is rich in natural resources. It has a major ferrous metal industry, producing cast iron, steel, and steel pipe, and its chemical industry produces coke, mineral fertilizers, and sulfuric acid. Manufactured goods include airplanes, turbines, metallurgical equipment, diesel locomotives, and tractors. It also is a major producer of grain, sunflower seeds and sugar and has a broad industrial base, including much of the former USSR's space and rocket industry. Although oil and natural gas reserves are small, it has important energy sources, such as coal, and large mineral deposits.

Ukraine encourages foreign trade and investment. The parliament has approved a foreign investment law allowing Westerners to purchase businesses and property, to repatriate revenue and profits, and to receive compensation in the event that property were to be nationalized by a future government. However, complex laws and regulations, poor corporate governance, weak enforcement of contract law by courts and corruption stymie large-scale foreign direct investment in Ukraine. While there is a functioning stock market, the lack of protection for minority shareholder rights severely restricts portfolio investment activities. Total foreign direct investment in Ukraine is approximately $6.04 billion as of October 2003, which, at $126 per capita, is still one of the lowest figures in the region.

While countries of the former Soviet Union remain important trading partners, especially Russia and Turkmenistan for energy imports, Ukraine's trade is becoming more diversified. An overcrowded world steel market threatens prospects for Ukraine's principal exports of non-agricultural goods such as ferrous metals and other steel products, while exports of machinery and machine tools are on the rise. Ukraine imports 90% of its oil and most of its natural gas. Russia ranks as Ukraine's principal supplier of oil and Russian firms now own and/or operate the majority of Ukraine's refining capacity. Natural gas imports come from Russia (which delivers natural gas as a barter payment for Ukraine's role in transporting Russian gas to Western Europe) and Turkmenistan (from which Ukraine purchases natural gas for a combination of cash and barter). While Ukraine's long running dispute with Russia over approximately $1.4 billion in arrears on past gas sales appeared to have been solved through a complex repayment agreement involving Eurobonds to be issued by Ukraine's national oil and gas monopoly (NaftoHaz Ukrainy) to Russia's GazProm by the end of 2003, Russia has not yet accepted the bonds, so the issue remains open. Reform of the inefficient and opaque energy sector is a major objective of the IMF and World Bank programs with Ukraine.

Ukraine is negotiating with the IMF on a precautionary stand-by facility. Dealing with large arrears in VAT refunds to exporters remains the principal issue hindering final approval of a facility. The GOU is also in talks with the World Bank on a Second Programmatic adjustment loan, and loans have been approved for a land registration system and to modernize tax administration. In 1992, Ukraine became a member of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. It is a member of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development but not a member of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade/World Trade Organization (WTO). While Ukraine applied for WTO membership, its accession process has moved slowly. A working party meeting in October 2003 agreed to review elements of a draft working party report at the next meeting. The government's stated goal is to accede to the WTO by the end of 2004.

Environmental Issues

Ukraine is interested in cooperating on regional environmental issues. Conservation of natural resources is a stated high priority, although implementation suffers from a lack of financial resources. Ukraine established its first nature preserve, Askanyia-Nova, in 1921 and has a program to breed endangered species.

Ukraine has significant environmental problems, especially those resulting from the Chornobyl nuclear power plant disaster in 1986 and from industrial pollution. In accordance with its previously announced plans, Ukraine permanently closed the Chornobyl Atomic Energy Station in December of 2000. Design work as well as structural improvements to the "sarcophagus" erected by the Soviet Union are largely complete and construction on the new shelter is scheduled to begin in 2004.

Ukraine also has established a Ministry of Environment and has introduced a pollution fee system, which levies taxes on air and water emissions and solid waste disposal. The resulting revenues are channeled to environmental protection activities, but enforcement of this pollution fee system is lax.

Proposals to build a transport canal through UN protected core biosphere in the Danube Delta have become an environmental issue of international interest.

FOREIGN RELATIONS

Ukraine considers Euro-Atlantic integration its primary foreign policy objective, but in practice balances its relationship with Europe and the United States with strong ties to Russia. The European Union's Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with Ukraine went into force on March 1, 1998. The EU has encouraged Ukraine to implement the PCA fully before discussions begin on an association agreement. The EU Common Strategy toward Ukraine, issued at the EU Summit in December 1999 in Helsinki, recognizes Ukraine's long-term aspirations but does not discuss association. On January 31, 1992, Ukraine joined the then-Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (now the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe — OSCE), and on March 10, 1992, it became a member of the North Atlantic Cooperation Council. Ukraine also has a Distinctive Partnership with NATO and has declared interest in eventual membership. It is the most active member of the Partnership for Peace (PfP).

Ukraine maintains peaceful and constructive relations with all its neighbors; it has especially close ties with Poland and Russia. Relations with Russia are complicated by energy dependence, payment arrears, and a dispute over bilateral boundaries in the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait. The 1998 ratification of the bilateral Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation and a series of agreements on the final division and disposition of the former Soviet Black Sea Fleet have helped to reduce tensions. Ukraine co-founded the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) on December 8, 1991, but in January 1993 it refused to endorse a draft charter strengthening political, economic, and defense ties among CIS members. Ukraine was a founding member of GUUAM (Georgia-Ukraine-Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan-Moldova).

In 1999-2001, Ukraine served as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Historically, Soviet Ukraine joined the United Nations in 1945 as one of the original members following a Western compromise with the Soviet Union, which had asked for seats for all 15 of its union republics. Ukraine has consistently supported peaceful, negotiated settlements to disputes. It has participated in the quadripartite talks on the conflict in Moldova and promoted a peaceful resolution to conflict in the post-Soviet state of Georgia. Ukraine has also made a substantial contribution to UN peacekeeping operations since 1992.

U.S.-UKRAINIAN RELATIONS

The dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991 brought an end to the Cold War and created an opportunity to build bilateral relations with the New Independent States (NIS) as they began a political and economic transformation. On December 25, 1991, the United States officially recognized the independence of Ukraine. It upgraded its consulate in the capital, Kiev, to embassy status on January 21, 1992. The U.S. ambassador to Ukraine is John E. Herbst, the fifth U.S. ambassador since Ukrainian independence.

The United States attaches great importance to the success of Ukraine's transition to a democratic state with a flourishing market economy. Following a period of economic decline characterized by high inflation and a continued reliance on state controls, the Ukrainian government began taking steps in the fall of 1999 to reinvigorate economic reform that had been stalled for years due to a lack of a reform majority in the Ukrainian parliament. The Ukrainian government's stated determination to implement comprehensive economic reform is a welcome development, and the U.S. is committed to strengthening its support for Ukraine as it continues on this difficult path. Bilateral relations suffered a setback in September 2002 when the U.S. Government announced it had authenticated a recording of President Kuchma's July 2000 decision to transfer a Kolchuga early warning system to Iraq. The GOU denied that the transfer had occurred. U.S. policy remains centered on realizing and strengthening a democratic, prosperous, and secure Ukraine more closely integrated into European and Euro-Atlantic structures.

U.S. Assistance to Ukraine

A cornerstone for the continuing U.S. partnership with Ukraine and the other NIS has been the Freedom for Russia and Emerging Eurasian Democracies and Open Markets (FREEDOM) Support Act (FSA), enacted in October 1992. Ukraine has been a primary recipient of FSA assistance. Total U.S. assistance since independence has been more than $3 billion. U.S. assistance to Ukraine is targeted to promote political and economic reform and to address urgent humanitarian needs. The U.S. has consistently encouraged Ukraine's transition to a democratic society with a prosperous market-based economy. For more detailed information on these programs, please see the Annual Report to Congress on U.S. Government Assistance to and Cooperative Activities with the New Independent States of the Former Soviet Union," which is available on the State Department's website at the following address: http://www.state.gov. Information on assistance for the current fiscal year is available on the State Department's website at the address: (currently under construction). Information is also available on USAID's website at the address: http://www.usaid.gov.

Assistance To Support Ukraine's Transition to a Market Economy. U.S. technical assistance in this area has focused primarily on economic restructuring, tax and budget reforms, development of the private sector, and energy-sector reform. U.S. assistance priorities for Ukraine have included enterprise development, deregulation, macroeconomic reform, privatization of the electricity sub-sector, and nuclear safety. U.S. advisers have provided technical assistance in financial sector reform and capital markets development, tax policy and administration, bank training, accounting reform, accession to the World Trade Organization, land ownership, corporate governance, small and medium-scale enterprise development, municipal services reform, agricultural development and agribusiness, privatization of the electric power sector, energy pricing and efficiency, and public education about market reforms.

Assistance to Support Ukraine's Agricultural Economy and Entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship and the small and medium-enterprise sector are closely tied to the future of the agricultural economy in Ukraine. Considerable support has been provided to the Ukrainian SME and agricultural sectors under past U.S. assistance programs, and programs continue in three primary areas: 1) building business and farmer associations, deregulation and policy reform; 2) increasing access to credit; and 3) developing business and management skills through "one-stop shops." The U.S. Government has been instrumental in assisting the privatization of agricultural land and the issuance of land titles. The collective farm system has been eliminated and 6.75 million former collective farm members received the right to hold land titles. More industry is also being privately managed, particularly in agribusiness, where privatization of medium-sized companies is now virtually complete. U.S. Government assistance in agriculture will focus on issuing legal titles to landowners, improving access to credit, strengthening business and farmer associations and improving agricultural markets.

Assistance To Support Ukraine's Transition to Democracy. The U.S. is promoting Ukraine's democratic transition by supporting programs on participatory political systems, independent media, rule of law, local governance, and civil society, as well as a wide range of exchanges and training. USAID has provided Ukraine with technical assistance related to elections, the development of political parties and grassroots civic organizations, the development of independent media and municipal services reform. USAID has been working with Ukrainian officials and nonprofit organizations to create a legal system supportive of a democratic government and a market-based economy. The State Department's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is promoting cooperation between U.S. law enforcement agencies and their Ukrainian counterparts to reform Ukraine's criminal justice system. In 1997, the U.S. Government launched a special initiative to combat trafficking in women and children from Ukraine, including efforts to promote economic alternatives for vulnerable populations, increase public awareness, and provide support for victims. See the Department of State's website at http://secretary.state.gov/www/picw/trafficking/index.html.

At the 1999 meeting of the U.S.-Ukraine Binational Commission in Washington, the U.S. announced the Next Generation Initiative, with a target of doubling the number of participants in key exchange programs and refocusing U.S. assistance on Ukraine's youth. Such programs as the Future Leaders Exchange (secondary school students), FSA Graduate-Muskie Fellowships, and the FSA Undergraduate program, as well as programs aimed at teachers, have maintained expanded participant levels during the most recent fiscal years. In addition, professional exchanges (International Visitors, Community Connections) continue to bring hundreds of Ukrainians to the U.S. each year. Between 1993 and 2003, the U.S. Government brought nearly 20,000 Ukrainians to the U.S. for long-term study or short-term professional training.

Exchange programs have enabled Ukrainian entrepreneurs, journalists, academics, local government officials, and other professionals to participate in a broad range of programs that focus on U.S. experience in fields of importance to Ukraine's democratic and market transition. In addition, the Embassy's Democracy Small Grants Program and Media Development Fund offer direct grant support to non-governmental organizations and non-state media outlets to carry out projects that contribute to democratic and market reforms and improved access to information.

Since 1992 the U.S. Commerce Department's Special American Business Internship (SABIT) Program together with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Cochran Fellowship Program and Faculty Exchange Program have brought 956 Ukrainian business executives, scientists, agriculturalists and agricultural educators to the U.S. for internships and training programs. USAID's participant training program provides opportunities for over 1,500 Ukrainians working with NGOs, promoting economic reform and democracy to visit the U.S. and other countries each year. A $5 million joint U.S.-EU civil society project is supporting civic education, NGO development, good governance and parliamentary exchanges, expanding Ukraine's contacts with Americans and Europeans. This project is now largely completed, but its goals continue to be met through many of the programs described above.

Peace Corps Volunteers are working in Ukraine with a focus on small-business development and English teaching, and the Embassy is actively engaged with Ukrainian educators at all levels to support new approaches to teaching and learning.

Assistance to Strengthen Ukraine's Civil Society. Ukraine has turned a crucial corner in terms of the strength and influence of civil society, but these gains still need to be consolidated and strengthened. U.S. assistance provides technical assistance and training to a wide variety of civic organizations to help them become better advocates for their constituencies, to reduce reliance on donor funding by creating closer links to their own communities, to create greater reliance on the local community for funds and volunteers, and to improve transparency by training civic organizations about conflict of interest, board management and financial management. In addition, the FREEDOM Support Act program supports research and public opinion polls undertaken by think tanks and seeks to improve the legal and regulatory framework related to freedom of association and speech. Grant programs also support the development of civil society and independent media and facilitate access to information through the Internet. In the media sector, U.S. assistance supports TV, radio and print media outlets, with an emphasis on strengthening regional news outlets by training journalists, news editors, and station managers, as well as NGOs that support the media.

Support for the Social Sector. The U.S. is assisting Ukraine's efforts to ameliorate some of the social consequences of the transition to a market economy in order to sustain social welfare and stability. To this end, USAID is providing assistance to local governments in redefining the roles of the public and private sectors in providing social services to allow government to focus limited resources on key social sectors. Training and technical assistance are being provided to Ukrainian institutions and government agencies on reforms of health care financing and delivery of medical services. A number of medical partnerships between U.S. and Ukrainian health care institutions have been established to improve both patient care and institutional management. Also, USAID is providing training and technical assistance on ways to improve reproductive health, focusing on providing family planning services and reducing the use of abortion. Finally, USAID has been instrumental in targeting GOU assistance to the most vulnerable groups. Its work in overhauling the public pension system was instrumental in helping the GOU ensure prompt pension payments to eligible retirees.

Humanitarian Assistance. Since 1992, the U.S. State Department's Operation Provide Hope has provided more than $416 million in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. In 1999, the Office of the Coordinator of U.S. Assistance to the NIS expended $3.8 million in transportation and grant funds to deliver $77 million in humanitarian assistance to targeted groups in Ukraine. In 1999, Operation Provide Hope funded a total of six humanitarian airlifts and 544 deliveries via surface transportation. A total of $18.5 million in U.S. Defense Department excess medical equipment, supplies, and pharmaceuticals was delivered and distributed during the 1999 August-October period to 18 hospitals and clinics in Ukraine's Kharkiv Oblast (Region). The U.S. has repeatedly responded to major disasters; since 1994 USAID's disaster assistance has helped victims of fifteen major natural and man-made disasters, including floods, mudslides and mine explosions. In August 2002, the U.S. Government provided medical equipment worth $50,000 to the city of Lviv after the worst air show disaster on record. In addition, USAID has provided over $128 million in humanitarian assistance since 1994, reaching over three million of Ukraine's most vulnerable people.

Bilateral Trade Issues. The U.S.-Ukraine Trade Agreement, effective June 22, 1992, provides reciprocal most-favored-nation tariff treatment to the products of each country. Since January 1994, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) has approved investment insurance totaling more than $23 million for three projects in Ukraine. OPIC also has sponsored conferences and exchanges to encourage joint ventures between U.S. and Ukrainian companies. Unfortunately, OPIC operations in Ukraine are currently suspended pending the resolution of a dispute involving the expropriation of an OPIC-insured investment. U.S. Export-Import Bank signed a project incentive agreement with the Ukrainian Government in 1999 but has yet to approve any projects in Ukraine.

Security Issues. In Lisbon on May 23, 1992, the United States signed a protocol to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) with Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan (those states on whose territory strategic nuclear weapons of the former Soviet Union were located). The protocol makes each state a party to the START Treaty and commits all signatories to reductions in strategic nuclear weapons within the seven-year period provided for in the treaty. Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan also agreed to join the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as nonnuclear weapons states. The treaty entered into force on December 5, 1994, the same day Ukraine acceded to the NPT.

Security-Related Assistance. Through FY 2003, the U.S. Department of Defense provided more than $675 million under its Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR or "Nunn-Lugar") Program to eliminate strategic nuclear delivery systems in Ukraine. CTR activities facilitated START I implementation and have eliminated, removed, or rendered inoperable all strategic nuclear weapons systems in Ukraine, including the SS-19 and SS-24 ballistic missiles and associated silos and launch control centers, heavy bombers, and airlaunched cruise missiles of the Soviet 43rd Rocket Army. Another $6 million has been set aside for anticipated projects associated with biotechnology proliferation prevention. The U.S. has provided nearly $11 million to assist Ukraine in establishing and improving its export control and related border security system. With the March 2003 passage of an export control law, the legal structure is in place in Ukraine, but serious holes remain in the country's export control system and the system can still be circumvented. There is no independent oversight body, and enforcement and prosecution of export control violations remains problematic. In addition, the U.S. has provided Ukraine more than $40 million in International Military Education and Training (IMET) and Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to promote military reform and advance Ukraine's ability to participate in NATO Partnership for Peace activities, including peacekeeping in Kosovo, and in the stabilization of Iraq.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials

Kiev (E), 10 Yuria Kotsubynskoho St., 01901 Kyiv Mail:5850 Kiev Place, Washington, DC 20521-5850 Tel [380] (44) 490-4000, after-hours Tel 216-3805, Fax 244-7350, 490-4085; Website: www.usinfo.usemb.kiev.ua.

Last Modified: Monday, December 22, 2003

TRAVEL

Consular Information Sheet
September 26, 2002

Country Description: Ukraine is a nation undergoing profound political and economic change as it moves towards a market economy and integrates into Western institutions. In recent years, availability of goods and services has increased, and facilities for travelers have improved. Nevertheless, the availability of travel and tourist services remains uneven throughout the country, and Ukraine still lacks the abundance of many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries. Travel within Ukraine is unrestricted; however, travelers should be prepared to show their documents to police upon demand.

Entry Requirements: A passport valid for sixth months beyond the date of travel is required. In addition, all travelers to Ukraine must have a valid single - or multiple entry visa before arriving in the country. A visa may be obtained from the Consular Office of the Embassy of Ukraine, in Washington, D.C. or from Consulates General in New York or Chicago. No invitation letter is necessary for EU, Canadian and U.S. citizens for business, official, cultural, sporting, and private visas. However, to receive a tourist visa, you have to submit one of the following: a letter of invitation from a Ukrainian or American tourist agency, confirmation from a hotel, an itinerary, or copies of tickets with valid dates.

IF YOU LIVE IN ONE OF THESE STATES:

Alabama, Ohio, Alaska, Oklahoma, Arizona, Oregon, Arkansas, South Carolina, California, Tennessee, Colorado, Texas, Delaware, Utah, District of Columbia, Virginia, Florida, Washington, Georgia, West Virginia, Hawaii, Wyoming, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina

APPLY FOR YOUR VISA AT THE:

Embassy of Ukraine,
3350 M Street, NW, Washington, D.C.
20007
Tel. (202) 333-0606
Fax (202) 333-0817 website: http://www.ukremb.com

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont

Consulate General of Ukraine
240 East 49th Street
New York, NY 10017
Tel. 212-371-5690
Fax: 212-371-5547
website: http://www.brama.com/uaconsulate

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin

Consulate General of Ukraine
10 East Huron St.,
Chicago, IL, 60611
Tel. 312-642 4388
fax: 312-642 4385
website: http://www.ukrchicago.com

U.S. citizens who stay in Ukraine for less than six months on a private, tourist, or business visa, do not need to register with local authorities. Once inside Ukraine, it is possible to get an extension of stay, over and beyond the validity of the visa, for up to six months, from the Ministry of Interior's Office of Visas and Registration (OVIR). However, the extension is only valid for continued presence in the country. It is not possible to depart Ukraine and return on the extension.

The Government of Ukraine does not issue visas at the point of entry into Ukraine. All visitors without a valid entry visa will be turned back to the United States or will have to travel to another European country to obtain a visa. Please check your visa carefully upon receipt. Each traveler is responsible for understanding the type of visa issued and the provisions of the visa. American citizens have been refused entry to Ukraine because they thought they possessed a multiple entry visa when actually their visa was valid for only a single entry. Or, Americans have tried to reenter Ukraine after using their single entry visa thinking they had unlimited travel for six months. In rare cases, Americans attempted to enter Ukraine before their visa became valid. This is due to the fact that in Ukraine the date is spelled day-month-year, not month-day-year like in the United States. Thus, a visa issued on May 1, 2002 is valid from January 5, 2002 and NOT from May 1, 2002.

These travelers were turned away as well. The U.S. Embassy in Kiev is not able to assist travelers in these situations.

Travelers who intend to visit Russia from Ukraine must also have a Russian visa. The Russian Embassy in Ukraine is located at Prospekt Kutuzova 8, Kiev, tel. (380-44) 294-7797 or 294-6816.

Effective July 1, 2002 the Ukrainian Government introduced visa free travel for stays of up to eight days for American citizens arriving at the international airports of Simferopol and Odessa and at the international port of Odessa. Travel must originate abroad and end at these ports of entry without any other initial stop in Ukraine. Travelers must also depart Ukraine from the same port used at the time of arrival.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of a child's relationship to accompanying travelers and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

Dual Nationality: Ukraine does not recognize dual nationality. American citizens entering Ukraine with a Ukrainian passport will be treated as Ukrainian citizens by the local authorities. This may include being required to perform mandatory national service. Also, Ukrainians who have immigrated to the United States without obtaining the proper exit visa from Ukrainian authorities may be subject to civil or criminal penalties and will be required to obtain an exit visa before returning to the United States. For additional information, please see the Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov for our Dual Nationality flyer or the Embassy's website at http://usinfo,usemb.kiev/ua.amcitmiscdualnateng.html.

Safety and Security: Although most travelers encounter no problems with crime while in Ukraine, Western foreigners, perceived to be wealthier than most local residents, still remain a favorite target for criminals. Occasionally, Americans of African or Asian heritage also report incidents of racially motivated assaults or harassment. In cases involving the latter, complaints center on being frequently stopped on the street by both civilians and local law enforcement officials.

Over the past several years, we have also received a number of reports of harassment and intimidation directed against foreign businesspersons and interests. While these reports have become considerably less frequent in recent years, they have not ended. Reported incidents range from physical threats (possibly motivated by rival commercial interests tied to organized crime), to local government entities engaging in such practices as arbitrary termination or amendment of business licenses, dilution of corporate stock to diminish U.S. investor interest, delays of payment or delivery of goods, and arbitrary "inspections" by tax, safety or other officials. These activities appear designed to harm the business rather than be a genuine attempt at good governance.

As in all countries undergoing political and economic change, organized or spontaneous demonstrations can and do occur in Ukraine. When such protests occur, they most often occur in the capital or larger cities. We wish to remind American citizens though the intent for these events may be peaceful, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can sometimes become confrontational and escalate into violence. Therefore, we urge American citizens to avoid demonstrations and protest gatherings and to exercise caution when near such gatherings.

Crime: As stated earlier, most travelers do not encounter problems with crime while in Ukraine. Nonetheless, the country is undergoing a severe economic, political and social transformation, and income disparities have grown sharply. As a result, visitors perceived to be wealthier are targets for criminals. Americans stand out in Ukraine, and they are more likely to be targeted than in Western European countries where incomes are higher and Americans may blend in better. Most street crime is relatively low level, but crimes involving small caliber firearms have been reported. Street crime ranges from wallet scams, simple pick-pocketing and purse snatching, to muggings, armed robbery, or drugging unsuspecting victims at nightspots and bars (where they are then robbed). Cases of assaults in apartment building corridors and stairwells, and armed break-ins have also been reported.

Credit card and ATM fraud is widespread. Ukraine operates as a cash economy, and money scams are widespread. We strongly recommend that visitors and permanent residents of Ukraine refrain from using credit cards or ATM cards

Burglaries of apartments and vehicles represent the most significant threat to long-term residents. Although few cars are actually stolen, primarily because of increased use of alarm systems and security wheel locks, vehicular break-ins and vehicular vandalism are becoming more common.

Computer fraud is also becoming more common in Ukraine. Internet scams appear to be on the increase. We suggest refraining from wiring money unless the recipient is well known and the purpose of business is clear. Americans citizens have reported transferring money to Ukraine to pay for goods purchased from residents of Ukraine via on-line auction sites, but never having received the goods in return. The U.S. Embassy regularly receives complaints from Americans regarding scams involving marriage and dating services. Numerous Americans have lost money to agencies that claimed they could have unmarried Ukrainians sponsored for student or fiancée visas to the United States. Additional information is available on our website in a document titled "Marriage Brokers" at http://usinfo.usemb.kiev.ua/amcit_marriage_brokers_eng.html.

Please note that the loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting the incident to the local police, please contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends, and to explain how funds can be transferred from the U.S. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet - http://www.gpoaccess.gov/index.html, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

Additional information and recommendations on how to avoid becoming a victim of criminal activity are available on the Embassy website in a separate document, "Security Information for Ukraine," at http://usinfo.usemb.kiev.ua/amcit_security_eng.html.

Medical Facilities: Medical care in Ukraine is limited. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of hospitals and physician with some English-speaking staff. Many facilities have only limited English-speakers. Ukrainian standards do not meet American and Western-European professional standards of care. Some facilities are adequate for basic services. Basic medical supplies are available, but travelers requiring prescription medicine should bring their own medications with them. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. When hospitalized, patients or their relatives or acquaintances are often expected to provide for their own medication, bandages, etc.

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy has information on various air ambulance companies that perform medical evacuations to Europe and the United States. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to Europe can cost from $25,000 to $50,000, and to the United States it can cost over $70,000.

More information can be found on the Embassy's website in a separate document on Medical Services in Kiev at http://usinfo.usemb.kiev.ua/amcitmedicalserveng.html.

Please note that while the U.S. Embassy can help an individual or his or her family make contact with a medevac service, the U.S. Government cannot pay for the medical evacuation.

Medical Insurance: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the United States may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or auto fax: (202) 647-3000.

Other Health Information: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, please consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Ukraine is provided for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation: Fair
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor

Generally, roads in Ukraine outside major urban areas are in poor condition and poorly lit. Defensive driving is an absolute necessity since drivers often disregard traffic rules. Drivers are often poorly trained or drive without a valid driver's license. Drivers can also be very aggressive, and they normally do not respect the rights of pedestrians, even at clearly marked pedestrian crossings. Pedestrians should also be aware of cars driving or attempting to park on sidewalks. Many cars do not meet the safety standards common in America.

Overland travel at night and in winter can be particularly dangerous. We strongly recommend that visitors and permanent residents of Ukraine refrain from driving their private vehicles after dark outside of Kiev. However, major roads are drivable during daylight hours. Roadside services such as gas stations and repair facilities are becoming more common, particularly on the main national and regional overland highways and in large and mid-size cities. Nonetheless, such services are far from American standards, and travelers should plan accordingly. There have been isolated reports of carjackings of western-made or foreign-registered cars. There has been an increase in the number of documented reports of criminal acts occurring on trains.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed Ukraine's civil aviation authority as Category 1 - in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Ukraine's air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the United States at tel. 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at tel. (618) 256-4801.

Customs Regulations: Ukrainian law requires that travelers declare all cash and jewelry, regardless of value, upon entering Ukraine. Travelers should fill out a customs declarations and ask customs officials to stamp it. According to Ukrainian law, foreign citizens may bring up to $10,000 cash or up to $50,000 in traveler's checks into Ukraine without a special license. Travelers must declare the cash or checks. If customs officials determine that a traveler entering or leaving the country has undeclared cash on their person, they can and often do confiscate the undeclared funds. When leaving the country, travelers are only allowed to take out a maximum of $1,000 in cash or as much cash as they declared upon entry into Ukraine. A traveler wishing to depart the country with more than $1,000 must be able to present a customs declaration proving he or she brought the corresponding sum of money into the country.

If you wish to bring more than $10,000 you must obtain a special license AFTER entering the Ukraine. Details for obtaining this license are available on the Embassy website in a document entitled, "Ukrainian Customs Procedures for Transporting Currencies, Monetary Instruments, or Precious Metals" at: http://usinfo.usemb.kiev.ua/amcittravelukrcustomseng.htm.

Ukraine also has strict limitations for the export of antiques and other goods and artifacts deemed to be of particularly important historical or cultural value.

According to Ukrainian customs laws, travelers are allowed to take up to 10,000 hryvnya out of Ukraine as long as the entire amount is declared. Additionally, travelers are only allowed to bring back the same amount of hryvnya as they originally took out of Ukraine, as substantiated by their customs declaration.

It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Ukraine in Washington, D.C. or one of Ukraine's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Ukrainian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Ukraine are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Consular Access: U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available. If stopped or detained, Americans should comply with instructions from law enforcement officers but also make it known that they are American citizens. In accordance with a bi-lateral agreement between the USSR and the United States, which remains in force for the successor states of the Soviet Union, including Ukraine, U.S. Consular Officers are to be notified of an arrest or detention of a U.S. citizen within one to three days, and access to the arrestee/detainee is to be granted in two to four days. If arrested, American citizens should insist on calling a Consular Officer at tel. (044) 490-4422 or (044) 490-4000 after-hours. Please be advised that consular access and assistance does not allow the U.S. Embassy to act as your legal counsel, or otherwise intervene on your behalf if you are detained or arrested. Only a lawyer can represent you. The U.S. Embassy, however, can assist you in obtaining legal counsel from a list of lawyers and law firms that it maintains.

Special Circumstances: Ukraine is a cash economy. While Travelers' Checks and credit cards are gaining wider acceptance in larger cities, acceptance of credit cards is not nearly as widespread as in the United States or in Western European countries. Expect credit card use to be limited to better hotels, upscale restaurants, international airlines and the rapidly growing, but still select number of up-market stores. When bringing U.S. dollars into Ukraine, ensure that bills are in good condition because those that are worn, torn or written on may not be accepted.

Travelers should also note that customs regulations prohibit sending cash, travelers' checks, personal checks, credit cards, or passports through the international mail system. Customs authorities regularly confiscate these items as contraband. Exchanging U.S. dollars into the national Ukrainian currency hryvnya is simple and unproblematic, as licensed exchange booths are widespread, and exchange rates are normally clearly advertised. Exchanging U.S. dollars into Ukrainian currency or other currencies is legal only at banks, currency exchange desks at hotels, and licensed exchange booths; anyone caught dealing on the black market can expect to be detained by the local militia.

ATMs (a.k.a. Bankomats) are becoming available throughout Ukraine, particularly in Kiev and in other larger cities. In smaller cities and towns, ATMs are still virtually non-existent. Most ATMs disperse cash only in the local currency, hryvnya. However, because the incidence of credit card and ATM bankcard fraud is high, it is strongly recommend that visitors and permanent residents of Ukraine refrain from using credit cards or ATM cards. The difficulties of a currency shortage can be avoided by coming to Ukraine with a sufficient supply of hard currency to cover necessary obligations during travel. Funds may be transferred by wire; advances may be drawn on credit cards at secure locations and travelers checks may be cashed at many locations.

Children's Issues: For information on international adoption of children, international parental child abduction, and international child support enforcement issues, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone 1-888-407-4747.

Registration/Embassy Location: All U.S. citizens residing in Ukraine for more that a few days are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kiev and obtain updated information on travel and security within Ukraine.

The completely voluntary registration system allows the Embassy to:

• help you more quickly if your passport is lost;
• contact you in case of an emergency;
• provide information on your whereabouts to family and friends (you must sign a Privacy Act Waiver - which is included in the registration form - in order for us to provide this service);
• inform you, via our email-based warden system, of changes in the assessed security situation in Ukraine or elsewhere, and otherwise keep you informed about issues of interest to Americans present in Ukraine.

To register, you simply need to present your U.S. passport at the Consular Section during American Citizen Services' public hours and complete a simple form. There is no charge for this service. The form may also be downloaded at http://www.usinfo.usemb.kiev.ua and mailed or faxed, along with a copy of the citizen's passport to the Consular Section.

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located at #6, Pimonenko St., 01901 Kiev, Ukraine, tel. (380-44) 490-4422, fax 236-4892. The U.S. Embassy is located at 10 Vulitsa Yuria Kotsubinskoho, 01901 Kiev, Ukraine, tel. (380-44) 490-4000; after-hours 240-0856. Mail using U.S. domestic postage should be addressed to U.S. Embassy Kiev, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20521-5850. Please visit the Embassy's Internet home page at http://www.usemb.kiev.ua.