As the new Trump administration re-examines its overseas partnerships through the lens of transactional pragmatism, Ukraine’s IT sector presents a potentially compelling argument for deeper bilateral cooperation.
While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sought to maintain strong ties with the United States, the current shift away from aid-based diplomacy signals that Ukraine must continue to demonstrate its economic value. In this context, Ukraine’s thriving IT industry is a key asset. Not only does the sector drive domestic economic resilience, it also offers tangible benefits to American businesses through investment, technological innovation, and cybersecurity expertise.
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion three years ago, Ukraine’s IT industry has proven itself to be a resilient and dynamic force. Despite the ongoing war with Russia, the sector has demonstrated remarkable adaptability. In 2024, Ukraine’s IT services exports reached $6.45 billion, accounting for 4.4 percent of the country’s GDP and about 38 percent of Ukraine’s total services exports. This strong performance was possible despite the challenges posed by the largest European invasion since World War II, highlighting the ability of Ukraine’s IT sector to operate in extreme conditions.
In addition to its financial contribution, the Ukrainian IT industry also plays a significant role in employment. By 2024, the number of Ukrainian IT specialists grew to more than 300,000 people, strengthening its position as a major employer and a pillar of Ukrainian economic stability in today's war-torn conditions.
The United States is already an important partner for Ukraine’s IT industry. In 2023, the U.S. was the largest importer of Ukrainian IT services, accounting for $2.39 billion, or 37.2% of the industry’s total exports. This opens up opportunities for increased bilateral cooperation in both the private and public sectors, which could go beyond the aid-based relationships that exist elsewhere in the region.
Ukrainian IT companies are not looking for handouts, but are actively investing in the U.S. market. Instead of displacing American jobs, they are creating new opportunities and promoting technological progress. Importantly, these companies are not appropriating American technology, but in many cases are sharing their own cutting-edge developments. This cooperative approach can strengthen both economies by fostering business relationships that are in line with the Trump administration’s strategic vision.
A knowledge-based economy benefits greatly from such international partnerships. Unlike resource-dependent models, this structure allows for a two-way exchange of expertise. Ukrainian IT professionals already play a significant role in cybersecurity, actively protecting against digital threats and ensuring the integrity of critical infrastructure. Since the early days of Russia’s full-scale invasion, they have consistently coped even in the most difficult circumstances and have strengthened Ukraine’s global reputation as a leading technology power.
Moreover, the war has put Ukrainian engineers at the forefront of innovation in autonomous systems, including air, sea, and other drone technologies. Many of Ukraine’s latest drone innovations leverage AI. The depth of experience gained in developing and deploying these systems in real combat conditions is unmatched in the world. For the U.S. defense industry, cooperation with Ukraine in this area could prove invaluable, providing access to battle-tested innovations that could redefine modern warfare.
The obvious synergies between the U.S. and Ukrainian technology industries extend beyond the private sector. Cooperation in areas such as dual-use technologies should be a priority for both governments to improve security and spur innovation. Strengthening this partnership can contribute to a more secure and prosperous future for both countries.
By leveraging Ukraine’s IT expertise, the United States can improve its own technological capabilities while supporting a partner country at a critical time. This partnership could bring further economic and strategic benefits to both sides. As the Trump administration moves toward a business-oriented approach to U.S. foreign policy, strengthening ties with the Ukrainian IT sector could spur innovation and security, as well as offer a range of business opportunities.
Anatoly Motkin is the President of StrategEast, a non-profit with offices in the United States, Ukraine, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan that works to develop the knowledge economy in the Eurasian region. Hanna Myshko is the Regional Director for Ukraine, Moldova, and the Gulf at StrategEast.
Source: euractiv.com
