I do not know much about Europe, but the U.S. do not seem to report much about the country. It does not surprise me though, but I also do not think that it's intentional.
American press is very self-centered.
I totally agree that it did not help to improve the Ukrainian immage. It's sad, but everybody found the article amusing. And it's also sad that the ones who read it would remember it. But in the end I agree with you. Ukraine is not viewed positively by most media.