The United States Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, led the first board meeting of the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund on September 3 in Washington. During this initial session, the Board took steps to set up the Fund’s operations by nominating a Chair and adopting committee charters. Discussions also included how to value contributions so that U.S. military assistance to Ukraine can be credited as preferred shares in the Fund. The possibility of both countries making initial investments was also considered.
The Fund was created under President Donald J. Trump’s administration to support Ukraine’s recovery efforts by enabling joint investment from both nations. Its goals include attracting American expertise and resources to help improve Ukraine’s investment environment while ensuring that individuals or entities involved in supporting Russia’s war effort do not benefit from reconstruction projects.
Secretary Bessent stated, “The Fund will help unlock an abundant and secure economic future for Ukraine—one built upon sound macroeconomic management and robust foreign investment. I welcome this unprecedented opportunity for the United States to contribute directly to and benefit from Ukraine’s economic development and prosperity. I look forward to the continued partnership between our two countries in the months and years ahead.”
He added, “The United States and its international partners are working hard to secure a lasting peace for Ukraine. Included in that peace will be a significant reconstruction and recovery effort, of which the Reconstruction Investment Fund will be an important component. Through this economic partnership, we can and will make both our countries great again.”
The establishment of this Fund aims to encourage foreign investment in Ukraine while promoting transparency and preventing any involvement from those who have supported Russia during its conflict with Ukraine.