Section: Atlantic Council (USA)
As US and Europe Press Ukraine to Reform, They Also Must Help Save It from Default
The Ukrainian Project to Keep Europe Whole and Free Needs Adequate Financing—and Quickly Ukraine’s new government has unleashed a “tiger team” of ministers committed to quick and comprehensive reforms—but as that work begins, the costs of war and recession have pushed Ukraine to the edge of default. Ukraine has begun to take steps to slash...
Putin Leaves All Options Open on Economic Crisis and Ukraine War
Pascual: With Russia’s Economic Downturn, West Should Probe Chances of a Merkel-Brokered Deal In his annual press conference this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered no clear suggestion for how he proposes to dig Russia out of its deepening economic hole. And he signaled no new direction in government’s sponsorship of the...
Measuring Ukraine’s War on Corruption: Key Signs to Watch in Early 2015
As Ukraine’s new government has taken office and vows to clean up endemic corruption—publicly perceived as Europe’s worst, according to Transparency International—here are some leading indicators of its progress, as suggested by the Atlantic Council’s Kyiv-based senior fellow, Brian Mefford. You can find his full essay on this...
Ruble’s Collapse Will Force Putin to Move. But Which Way?
Russia’s Choice, Between Market Reforms and State Controls, May Open or Shut Doors to Détente Over Ukraine The Russian ruble’s stunning collapse this week may lead President Vladimir Putin to order changes at the country’s central bank and in his cabinet. As he does, will he tilt his government toward Russia’s...
Ukraine’s New Cabinet Lineup Offers Broad Competence for Reforms, But …
Atlantic Council Analyst Lists Whom to Watch in the Battle to Improve Governance Ukraine’s overhauled cabinet lineup, now complete, offers clues to the new leadership’s seriousness and competence for its critical task of reforms. For a government that must decentralize governance, make official transactions transparent, prosecute and...
‘If Ukraine’s Violence Not Addressed, Transformation Will Be Slow,’ Says Top IMF Official
Violence in eastern Ukraine could adversely impact the economic transformation of that country, Aasim M. Husain, deputy director of the International Monetary Fund’s European Department, told the Atlantic Council. …read more Source: Atlantic...
Here is Why Obama May Sign Congress’ Bill for New US Aid to Ukraine
‘Freedom Support Act’ Authorizes, But Does Not Require, Arms Sales to Ukraine In passing its bill to boost US support for Ukraine last week, Congress has left President Barack Obama largely free to decide how and when to apply its provisions – and that flexibility is one reason Obama may sign the act, even though it includes measures...
Moldova at a Tipping Point: Four Ways the US Should Help
Small Steps for a Small Country Could Strengthen Europe Against Russia’s Assaults In the shadow of Ukraine’s war for true independence from Russia, the small country of Moldova is entering a critical chapter of its parallel struggle. Frustrated Moldovan voters last month reelected their pro-democratic government, but also delivered a...
Ukraine: Suddenly, an Information Ministry Is Born
Poroshenko’s Team Creates a Government Agency in 60 Hours; Critics Ask if This Is the Way to Counter Kremlin Propaganda President Petro Poroshenko’s government created a new Ministry of Information Policy last week in sixty hours from first proposal to parliamentary approval—and did so over the objections of pro-reform legislators,...
Meet Ukraine’s New Anti-Corruption Lawmakers
Pro-Democracy Activists Join Parliament—and the Battle for Ukraine’s Future The new parliament and political leadership taking office in Ukraine includes members of an energetic, young class of leaders who have emerged from last year’s Maidan movement, with its demands for greater democracy and an end to massive political corruption....
