Insight - West's offer to rebuild Ukraine faces reality check


A man pushes a wheelbarrow past a house damaged by fighting in the town of Debaltseve, Ukraine February 25, 2015. REUTERS/Baz Ratner

BRUSSELS/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Western powers are preparing what they say may be their most potent weapon against Moscow's interference in Ukraine - a multi billion dollar aid package to rebuild a near-bankrupt state and realise the European dream cherished by many Ukrainians.

There is just one problem: foreign governments and international financing institutions are not willing to pour money into a dysfunctional state. Only this week the businessman brought in by the new authorities to clean up the tax service was himself suspended pending a corruption inquiry.

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Ronaldo strikes twice as Portugal whitewashes Uzbekistan in Group K
U.S. Senate votes to halt Iran war in rebuke to Trump
Crude futures settle lower
West African bloc strengthens Ebola preparedness amid outbreak in DR Congo, Uganda
U.S. dollar ticks up
Flash: Portugal beats Uzbekistan 5-0 in FIFA World Cup Group K
1st LD Writethru: Fire breaks out at Madrid's Torre Moeve tower, no deaths reported
Colombia national registrar says final count in presidential runoff is nearly identical to initial count
Italian prosecutors demand long jail terms for Egyptians over murder of Italian student
Hungary's central bank cuts base rate to 6 pct amid easing inflation pressures

Others Also Read