Ukraine is set to hand over a massive boost the US and Donald Trump by blocking China from buying a strategic aerospace firm, making way for a US company to acquire a controlling stake.
Earlier in 2007, China had agreed to buy Ukraine’s Motor Sich, one of the most advanced military aircraft engine manufacturers in the world, as it continues to transform and modernize its armed forces to eventually rival the US.
The American publication notes that this enterprise has become one of the factors in the global confrontation between China and the United States. It seems that the administration of President Donald Trump was able to ensure that the deal with the PRC fell through, and a controlling stake in a strategic aerospace firm went to American companies.
This was confirmed by an unnamed Ukrainian official who, on condition of anonymity, told BuzzFeed News that a final decision by the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine on the cessation of the sale of Motor Sich to Chinese companies is expected in March.
This decision will be the culmination of intensive diplomatic work by Trump’s former national security adviser, John Bolton, who made every effort to keep the advanced defence technology away from China.
In addition, Washington is counting on the support of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who will seek to restore relations with Trump after the debacle of Ukrainegate and impeachment.
Although a spokesman for the President’s Office told BuzzFeed News that the authorities “did not intervene in the procurement process,” an official familiar with the Ukrainian president’s opinion of Motor Sich said this was only a formal statement. According to the source, Bankova took into account “violations of the law” by China when buying an enterprise and “geopolitical problems” related to this issue.
Another Ukrainian official who participated in the negotiations on Motor Sich said the Americans made it clear during several meetings last summer that the upcoming sale of an aerospace company was of great importance to them and even termed their interest an obsession.
Both Ukrainian sources said the State Department, U.S. Embassy staff, and senior White House officials, including Bolton and Tim Morrison, Trump’s former adviser for Russia and Europe were interested in the venture.
As for the potential buyer of Motor Sich from the USA, it may be a certain company from Beverly Hills, founded about three years ago and having experience in the aviation industry. A Dallas-based private equity firm, Trive Capital, is ready to finance the deal.
