Forgive me for being blunt, but there is no other way to put it. The text of the draft Agreement between the United States and Ukraine caught my eye. It is a legal gloss that hides a deeply thought-out, skilfully disguised system of control over Ukrainian resources, our revenues – and, in fact, our future.
This is not the Marshall Plan 2.0. This is a financial “Medusa Gorgon”: beautiful, with many words about support, freedom, security – but if you don’t blink in time, you will be petrified of horror.
What is this “Recovery Fund”?
The title sounds noble. The essence is painfully cynical.
“The US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund is a structure that is supposed to manage projects to rebuild our country after the invasion. But the key word here is manage. Not to finance. The US is not introducing anything new. They are simply monetising everything they have already given: loans, grants, and conditional “aid” – and recording it as a contribution to the fund. And with an annual interest rate of 4% on top. We already have enough debts, and here we have another $6 billion annually. Just for the fact that we exist.
Ukraine “contributes” to the Fund… its own mineral resources, ports, and infrastructure. More precisely, 50% of all income from these assets. And – pay attention – this is a royalty forever. Not for 10 years. Not until the moment of victory. Not until reconstruction. It is the eternal right of the United States to half of Ukraine’s resources.
A fund where Ukraine is a secondary passenger
The fund is managed by a US company based in Delaware (read: offshore), with the US as the general partner and Ukraine as a limited partner.
Key elements of the structure:
– Class A Units are the United States. They receive all profits first. And with a guarantee.
– Class B Units are us. We can get something… afterwards. And then – if there is anything left.
– Class C Units are US gold shares. No money, but full control. In fact, the right of veto. Ukraine has the right to vote, but not the right to decide.
Once again: the money is not ours, the risks are ours, the control is not ours.
“Rights of first refusal” – or how to give away fields “by agreement”
All Ukrainian mining, transport, and port infrastructure projects must first be proposed to the Fund. That is, to the American structure. If they are not interested, they can look for someone else. This is not a partnership. This is a monopoly with elements of feudalism.
Don’t invest – earn money
The open part of the Agreement does not mention the investment of US funds in the Ukrainian economy. The Fund has the “right” to invest, but only after it receives profits from Ukrainian assets. In other words, first we pay, they count, and only then will they give something for infrastructure.
But not on technology. Not on innovation. Not on education, healthcare or science. Only for minerals, pipes, ore and terminals. That is, raw materials in exchange for “friendship”. This is not development. This is a latent colonial model.
Comparing it to the Marshall Plan is blasphemy
The Marshall Plan is:
– grants (rather than royalty debts);
– direct assistance for reconstruction (not promises of “possible investments”);
– industrialisation, education, modernisation (rather than ore mining and grain exports).
Here is a fund where we are left with debts, liabilities and a fig leaf of “control”. But the American side receives an eternal share in our welfare. Without any tax or legal responsibility within Ukraine. All disputes are only in New York. Where the courts are not for us.
Is there any benefit?
Yes. And we must honestly admit this. If the fund is honest, effective and transparent, critical infrastructure can be quickly restored.
But if.
– If the profits don’t get stuck somewhere in Delaware.
– If there is no conflict of interest.
– If reinvestment really happens.
– If the projects do not turn out to be “gold mines” for American contractors.
– If the Ukrainian voice on the Fund’s Board has weight, not a decorative function.
And “if” is not a strategy. It’s roulette.
And most importantly, it is unconstitutional
The agreement contradicts the Constitution of Ukraine. It cannot be ratified without changes to the legislation. And if someone decides to sneak it through behind the scenes, it will not just be a political crisis. There will be a people’s revolt. Not the “Russian” one, which is senseless and ruthless, but the Ukrainian one, which is purposeful and fair.
What to do?
1. Speak. Loudly. Without fear.
Do not be silent. Because silence is consent. And consent means the loss of a country that has not yet been restored.
2. Put pressure on the parliament, government, and president.
Negotiations – yes. But not on the terms of “surrender”.
3. Know your rights.
Subsoil, infrastructure, national wealth are the common property of Ukrainian citizens. They are not assets that can be “handed over to management” without public discussion.
Ukraine is not a start-up on sale. We should not sell a part of the future in exchange for pretty slides and promises.
This is not a fund. It is a trap. And it’s not too late to get out of it.
Draw your own conclusions. Share them. Speak up. Because we will pay for our silence not with money, but with freedom.
Author:Marianna Nyzhnia
