Sitting in a strategically important geopolitical position, with rising Islamic extremism to the south, authoritarian neighbor Belarus to the north and (occasionally Soviet Union-nostalgic) Russia to the west, a strong Ukrainian democracy would be an important counterweight in a region where Ukraine could otherwise easily succumb to the pressures of extremism. However, the Bush administration has remained silent on the Ukrainian election despite the importance of this election, even though Ukrainian opposition parties are being silenced and the free press repressed. Given the fact that Ukraine has had friendly relations with the United States, Albright argues that the Bush administration needs to speak out in favor of free and fair elections in Ukraine. To ensure a fair election, the United States must also offer to support independent media and the monitoring of the elections. She urges the Bush administration to remind Ukraine that a free electoral process would bring with it important trade and visa concessions, as well as increased support for membership in the WTO and the EU.