OPIC reopens programs in Ukraine

Paving the way for millions of dollars in potential U.S. private sector investment in the country, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) has restored its programs in Ukraine, following the signing on December 16 of an agreement resolving a dispute over an insurance claim paid by OPIC.

By virtue of the agreement, OPIC is now able to provide financing and political risk insurance to American companies investing in Ukraine.  Previously, OPIC had provided more than $254 million in financing and insurance to 21 projects in Ukraine, in sectors ranging from manufacturing and construction to energy and financial services.

“OPIC is pleased to once again make available its support for U.S. investment in Ukraine, a development which we anticipate will send a highly positive signal to prospective investors in the country,” said OPIC Acting President Dr. Lawrence Spinelli.

EU and US grow tired of Ukraine

Ukraine fatigue spreads among Ukraine's Western partners in Europe and in the US. Economist publishes an article basically saying that US will not endanger its "reload" of relations with Russia, which basically means Ukraine will not be in the Washington's eye that much anymore.

EU in its turn, as the article in Telegraph says, is losing patience with Ukraine. For some strange reason European officials don't like that Ukrain doesn't move with reforms and finances with electoral promises with international money.

Ukraine is a difficult partner to deal with lately, especially with elections coming up. Hopefully things will change after the president is elected and local and national parliamentary elections are done.