DISINFO: Closer cooperation with Europe turned into a catastrophe for Ukraine
SUMMARY
As for Europe, it has already closed its borders; it does not need Ukraine. We all saw the consequences of the Maidan and what Ukraine turned into after the signing of these European integration documents: enterprises were closed and state property has been privatised in large numbers.
RESPONSE
No evidence given. Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative targeting EU-Ukraine cooperation. It is also consistent with previous narratives alleging that the Euromaidan is one of many colour revolutions prepared by the West and the EU. The EU is the largest donor to Ukraine. Since 2014, the EU has provided Ukraine with billions of Euros of assistance. On average, the EU has given Ukraine €650 million. From 2014 to 2017, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development provided an additional €3.5 billion. In general, the EU has funded projects in the humanitarian field, provided assistance to stabilise the macro-financial situation, given grants and loans for capacity building, energy reforms and fighting against corruption. The free trade agreement improved trade in agricultural products, thus benefitting Ukraine. Currently, Ukrainian exporters have a right to export their products to the EU without paying customs duties on some products. Based on 2016-2019 numbers, Ukraine was among the top 3 suppliers of agricultural products to the EU. In 2017, Ukrainian agricultural export increased by 8.5% bringing an additional $477.7 million of income. In 2018-2019 financial year, Ukrainian exporters sold products for a record €6.3 billion. Already in 2014, the EU has cancelled import tax on 95% of Ukrainian goods. The demonstrations which began in Kyiv in November 2013 – called "Maidan", or "Euromaidan" – were a result of the Ukrainian people's frustration with former President Yanukovych's last-minute U-turn when, after seven years of negotiation, he refused to sign the EU–Ukraine Association Agreement and halted progress towards Ukraine's closer relationship with the EU as a result of Russian pressure. For more cases about the Euromaidan protests, see here. See a similar case alleging that Ukraine's chances of joining the EU are miserable, the economy is destroyed and industry in ruins.