The flaws in Ms. Pritzker’s plan

* Pritzker advises Ukraine to urgently develop a government-wide single project planning* for reconstruction, with an approach where the entire reconstruction is one large, simultaneous project with “clear priorities.” Currently, reconstruction efforts are hindered by a lack of coordination between different Ukrainian ministries on planning, Pritzker says.

** To implement this point, Ukraine also needs a powerful potential of technical experts, engineers, planners, program managers who can work together with civil servants**.

*** In addition, Pritzker suggests that Ukraine appoint a high-ranking official — a person recognized and respected throughout the world*** who will coordinate this strategic direction …

Otcheem

* "Planning the reconstruction of Ukraine" is possible when there are certain data on:

- the boundaries of the territory that will be subject to reconstruction;

- guarantees of the inviolability of these boundaries;

- assessment of the suitability of these territories for reconstruction;

- comprehensive solution of construction sites and their compliance with technical and labor resources;- who decides on the "clarity of priorities"?;

- the absence of ministries will ensure the absence of coordination between them.

** Regarding the thesis about the necessary potential of experts, engineers... "who can work together with civil servants", I take this as an understanding on Pritzker's part that this potential will most likely be offered by the investor. But I am concerned about the phrase "who can work together with civil servants." I believe this "work should be minimized and strictly regulated.

*** A person from Ukraine respected all over the world can be found, but will he be respected in Ukraine? We need to list the coordination functions and make them transparent, then there is no need for the intervention of other controllers (NABU, SBU, NACP, SBI, BEB, SAP). Journalists will check the quality of this coordination.

* Ukraine should continue to implement anti-corruption reforms, Pritzker argues, as this is important for large-scale investments and a thriving economy.

** The official praised Kyiv’s efforts in this direction, in particular new rules for declaring assets, antitrust liberalization and liberalization of energy prices, strengthening the Constitutional Court of Ukraine, and reform of judicial discipline and corporate governance.

*** She named customs and the tax service among the problem areas. And also advised to strengthen NABU and SAP, as the main guardians of Ukraine’s future, …

Otcheem

* In Ukraine, "continuation of anti-corruption reforms" looks like a system of creating helpless supervisory bodies that "absorb" huge sums from the budget and, at best, their work is leveled in court, where those involved in millions of abuses are paid off, and those involved in smaller bribes receive prison sentences. That is, the fight continues with the consequences and those who were caught, not with the source of corruption.

** New rules for declaring are old rules "forgotten" by deputies, which were blocked three years ago. And what Ms. Pritzker meant by "strengthening the Constitutional Court of Ukraine and reforming judicial discipline", only she probably knows, because these two institutions are the top of corruption. As for the Constitutional Court, it is not needed at all, since the authorities do not bother to adhere to the Constitution, and if necessary interpret it as beneficial to the authorities.

*** The so-called "problem areas" - this is a disgrace to the authorities and requires a radical solution. What does "strengthen", give them even more money? I believe that only three bodies with three functions are needed: investigation, supervision and court.

* The world should allocate more capital to invest in Ukraine, says the US special representative for economic recovery.

** Even before the March wave of Russian energy attacks, the World Bank estimated the cost of reconstruction in Ukraine at $486 billion. Leaders of the G7 countries decided to transfer $50 billion. But according to Pritzker, these funds can only finance Ukraine’s needs in the short term.

*** In the long term, she argues, it is fair that reconstruction should be largely financed by Russia. Pritzker suggests combining this with the role of private capital in accelerating Ukraine’s economic path to prosperity.

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* It sounds attractive, but the main thing is that this reconstruction does not lead to an increase in the debt that descendants must pay.

** Fair and this already looks like a mantra that they like to say, but no action is taken.

*** In the third year of the war, a strange word has appeared in the lexicon of US Democratic politicians – “justice”. They continue to delight the ears of Ukrainians, who are still throwing 5, 10, 20 UAH into arming their defenders, while the US is destroying such necessary equipment. But this is also “fair”, because the contracts under which the budget for this disposal was allocated are being fulfilled. Justice is a relative thing.

According to the Center for Economic Strategy, As of the end of January 2024, 4.9 million Ukrainians are abroad due to the war, but the vast majority of people (52%), plan to return to Ukraine. However, their return will depend on whether how quickly their regions will rebuild.

** At the same time, according to Pritzker, Ukraine will need to prepare for the physical, psychological, and social needs of its returning citizens. In addition, she says, Ukraine will need attract  workforce strategically and retrain women to work in positions historically held by men.

Otcheem

* I believe their return will depend on freedom of speech and incentive activities in Ukraine. Then they will quickly rebuild their regions.

** "Attracting labor strategically" - this is probably such a grandiose phrase that Pritzker is veiledly alluding to migrants. I wonder from which countries this Should Pritzker's "strategic" workforce reach Ukraine?

The West (the political leadership of the EU and the USA) continues to view Ukraine as an outpost between Europe and Russia. What does this mean? This means that investments will primarily be directed to the reconstruction of the military-industrial complex and infrastructure, as well as the mining industry of rare earth metals. Most likely, these investments will be directed to the central and western territories, away from the demarcation line that will exist at the time of the conclusion of the agreement on the cessation of hostilities (truce or peace agreement).

As for the development of other spheres of life, it completely depends on the actions of the authorities and citizens of Ukraine, which is what Ms. Pritzker’s last sentence is about.

From the authorities – whether the economy, education, healthcare and other areas will become free from regulation and pressure from officials and law enforcement agencies.

From the citizens of Ukraine – will they make the right choice in favor of political forces that advocate for the observance of the principle of individual freedom, protection of private property, the rule of a fair judicial system, and a reduction in the role of the state in regulating the economic and social life of citizens.