Zelensky Sells UKRAINE to Blackrock

Recently, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, held a meeting with the management team of BlackRock, the world's largest asset management company, to discuss the creation of an investment fund aimed at revitalizing the country's economy through both public and private capital. However, the news of the meeting has not been well-received by the public, with many netizens criticizing Zelensky for potentially privatizing and selling off the country to private firms like BlackRock.

On Twitter, one user commented that "Taxpayers pay the war bills, private firms get the profits," while another stated, "Ukraine being privatised and sold off to companies like Blackrock."

According to the press service of the Office of the President, during the meeting, the parties discussed the details of the investment fund's creation and the implementation of large-scale business projects in Ukraine. The main objective of the fund is to attract both private and public capital. Following the meeting, the Ukraine Development Fund signed an agreement with BlackRock Financial Market Advisory to provide support services.

Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine has not received the strategic private capital in the volumes needed since its independence. He emphasized the importance of transparency and success in implementing the project and highlighted that Ukraine is attracting the best financial and consulting organizations in the world, including BlackRock, JP Morgan, and McKinsey.

Philipp Michael Hildebrand, Vice Chairman of BlackRock and a member of the firm's Global Executive Committee, recognized the historic nature of the moment and the opportunity it presents to bring together the private and public sectors. He emphasized that technical innovation could be a catalyst for further development and expressed optimism that BlackRock could contribute to the global economy and make use of innovation.

However, the news of the meeting comes amidst criticism from American citizens of US President Joe Biden's support of Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion. In fact, last month, the Biden administration announced $325 million in new military aid for Ukraine to help its military in its war against Russia, including additional ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), advanced missiles, and anti-tank mines.

This is the 36th security package for Ukraine since the Russian invasion in February 2022 and brings the total US military assistance for the Kyiv government to more than $35.4 billion in that time.

The creation of an investment fund by Ukraine and BlackRock is seen by many as a way to secure more funding for the country's economy and development. However, the news has also sparked concerns about the potential for private firms to profit from the country's economic situation. The success of the project will depend heavily on the transparency and implementation of the investment fund, as well as the trust of the public in the government and private institutions involved.

The creation of the investment fund with BlackRock has also sparked criticism from Ukrainian citizens, who are concerned about the potential impact of private investment on their country's economy. Many argue that foreign investment may only benefit the wealthy and well-connected, and that ordinary citizens may not see any real improvement in their daily lives.

In response to these concerns, Zelensky has emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the investment process. He has also stated that the government will work to ensure that the benefits of foreign investment are distributed more equitably across society.

Despite these assurances, many Ukrainians remain skeptical. Some worry that the investment fund could lead to further privatization of state assets, which they believe could ultimately benefit foreign investors at the expense of the Ukrainian people. Others are concerned that the fund may not be able to deliver on its promises, and that it may simply become another way for corrupt officials to siphon off public funds.

Nevertheless, Zelensky and his government remain committed to the investment fund, which they see as a crucial component of their plan to modernize Ukraine's economy and attract foreign investment. They believe that with the right policies and safeguards in place, foreign investment can help to drive growth and create jobs in Ukraine, ultimately benefiting all citizens of the country.

As for BlackRock, the company has a long history of investing in emerging markets and has been active in Ukraine for several years. In 2020, the company acquired a minority stake in a Ukrainian agriculture business, and it has also invested in the country's energy sector.

For BlackRock, the creation of the investment fund in Ukraine represents a significant opportunity to expand its presence in the country and to contribute to its economic development. The company's executives have expressed optimism about the potential of the fund to drive growth and create value for both investors and the Ukrainian people.

Overall, the creation of the investment fund with BlackRock represents a major step forward for Ukraine's economy. While there are legitimate concerns about the impact of foreign investment on the country, there is also reason to believe that the fund could help to create jobs, drive growth, and improve the lives of ordinary Ukrainians. As long as the government remains committed to transparency and accountability, and as long as BlackRock and other investors act responsibly, this investment fund could be a major force for positive change in Ukraine.