DISINFO: The West aims to seize permanent control of the remaining Ukrainian economy
SUMMARY
Even now, in what remains of Ukraine, hundreds of Western (primarily American) companies are eagerly poised to step in, impatiently awaiting the end of hostilities. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has fully committed its resources to Ukraine. According to its Ukrainian branch, the bank "made a strategic decision immediately after the Russian invasion—not to decrease but to increase its investments in Ukraine." The logic is as old as time: buy up valuable assets at bargain prices when blood is being shed. Major Western businesses are keen to profit from the "reconstruction" of Ukraine, ultimately aiming to seize permanent control of the remaining economy. This is precisely why it is deemed critical to prevent the Russians from capturing more territory.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the so-called 'collective West' having a belligerent and hostile agenda and being involved in the war in Ukraine. The ultimate goal of this disinformation story is to advance a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative portraying Ukraine’s defence as a proxy war against Russia, targeting international aid for Ukraine’s self-defence against Russia’s invasion and aiming to deflect Moscow’s responsibility for its aggression.
The US and the EU are providing military, financial, and humanitarian support to Ukraine. This support is aimed at helping Ukraine defend its sovereignty against Russia’s aggression.
A major global financial effort will be required to rebuild Ukraine once the war is over. The EU is already contributing substantially to boost the country’s ongoing resilience, but more support will be needed in the medium to long-term: to re-establish the foundations of a free and prosperous country, anchored in European values and well integrated into the European and global economy and to support it on its European path.
Since the start of Russia's war of aggression, the EU and its Member States and the European financial institutions, in a Team Europe approach, are making available over €130 billion in financial, humanitarian, emergency, budget and military support.
While Russia's war of aggression continues, the overall needs for the reconstruction of Ukraine are not yet known. Nevertheless, it is important to design the main building blocks of this international effort already now.
At the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2024 in Berlin, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the signature of €1.4 billion in new guarantee and grant agreements to support Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction. These agreements will benefit private companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises, municipalities and Ukrainian state-owned enterprises. They will focus on the repair, rehabilitation and development of energy infrastructure, which has been heavily targeted by Russia.
Since February 2022 the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has deployed a total of up to €5.2 billion in Ukraine, of which up to 1.4 billion in 2024, focusing on support for energy security, vital infrastructure, food security, trade and the private sector, in addition to key policy reforms. In 2023 the EBRD’s Board of Governors approved a capital increase of €4 billion to support wartime investment and post-war reconstruction. Once conditions permit, the EBRD will also be prepared to take part in a reconstruction programme for Ukraine, to rebuild livelihoods and businesses; restore vital infrastructure; support good governance; and enable access to services.
Please learn more about EBRD support for Ukraine.