EU in Talks About Aid to Ukraine – Ashton

[dipsydoodle]

Source: RIA Novosti

BRUSSELS. February 10 (RIA Novosti) – The European Union is discussing possible economic assistance to Ukraine, the bloc’s foreign policy chief said Monday.

Catherine Ashton said ahead of a meeting with European foreign ministers that the union is in contact with other countries and organizations on the issue.

She reiterated that reforms remain an important precondition for aid.

“We stand ready to support the process of dialogue which is so important to try and end the crisis there [in Ukraine]. We stand ready too, within the reforms that need to be made, with our economic support, and we are in touch with many other countries and institutions on this issue,” she said.

Read more: http://en.ria.ru/world/20140210/187395494/EU-in-Talks-About-Aid-to-Ukraine--Ashton.html

---

Ownership down payment.

Ukraine protests take center-stage at EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels.

In a sharp rebuke to Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych on Monday, the European Union called for a new government and constitutional reforms that would pave the way to "free and fair presidential elections." Russia meanwhile reportedly plans to release the next installment of its $15 billion (11 billion euros) loan to the country at the end of the month, after effectively freezing the aid while Ukraine's opposition made gains.

According to a statement issued after the EU's 28 foreign ministers met, the bloc has followed the crisis "with deep concern" and grown "alarmed by the human rights situation." The statement called for dialogue to set up "a new and inclusive government" that would carry out constitutional reforms to give the parliament more powers and prepare for free and fair elections.

At the meeting on Monday, EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton briefed the ministers on her discussions last week in Ukraine with the opposition as well as with President Viktor Yanukovych.

http://www.dw.de/ukraine-protests-take-center-stage-at-eu-foreign-ministers-meeting-in-brussels/a-17422784

[freshwest]

1. 'Ownership down payment.' Likely true. Next, an EU versus Russia bidding war. n/t

[dipsydoodle]

2. Russia doesn't need to bid.

Aggregate cost of the the Ukraine going with Europe is foreseen to be c. $220 billion over a period of time. Good luck with funding that.

[freshwest]

3. Then how does Russia get paid the money they're owed? And I take it that the EU will give up? TIA.

I'm confused about what the plan is really. It's that 'reform' term that makes it look like Ukraine is screwed no matter what they do.

I don't know how they got into this mess. Not a good enough return on their exports?

[dipsydoodle]

4. Contra entries maybe.

But get it back they will especially given that the recent and current stuff stuff is from Russia's rainy day fund. Some of the $15 billion promised by Russia is actually for paying off other current debt later this year.

Ukraine has serious cash flow problems not helped by depleted foreign reserves.