The U.S.-Ukrainian Reconstruction Investment Fund has officially begun its operations following the receipt of its first contribution. This was announced by Ukraine’s Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Fund’s Initial Capital and Focus of First Projects
According to Svyrydenko, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has committed to contribute $75 million to the fund. Ukraine, in turn, will double this amount, providing an initial capital of $150 million. The Prime Minister emphasized that this allows for the full operational work of the fund to commence.
“Thus, we are forming the initial positions of the Reconstruction Investment Fund with a total of $150 million. This is another important step in the process of launching the full operation of the Fund, and from today we can state: operational work has begun,” she wrote in a Telegram message.
Svyrydenko also noted that the priority areas for the first investments will be in the energy, infrastructure, and critical minerals sectors. It is planned to implement at least three projects by the end of 2026.
Attracting Investors and Funding Features
The Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture, as well as a member of the fund’s governing council, Oleksiy Sobolev, reported that the establishment of the fund opens new opportunities for attracting private and international investors. According to him, funding will be provided in tranches for specific initiatives: part of the funds will be allocated this year, and the remainder next year.
On April 30, Ukraine and the U.S. signed an economic partnership agreement that provides for the creation of this investment fund. As Yulia Svyrydenko emphasized, according to the document, full ownership and control of the fund remain with Ukraine, with a 50/50 ratio of founders, and Ukraine does not assume any debt obligations to the U.S. Furthermore, the agreement will not hinder Euro-integration, and the fund will be filled with revenues from new licenses.
The agreement to establish the U.S.-Ukrainian Reconstruction Investment Fund came into effect in May after the official transfer of a diplomatic note from the U.S.