Soros and not his money 💰? Part 4.

⏳ƬɼⅈᎴʋℓɛ ℵ 🔬Ꮥɑℽʂ 🎙

In front of your eyes a banner in Budapest: "Soros wants to bring us millions of people from Africa."

Perhaps many U.S. taxpayers naively believe that the Soros family has saved up a lot of money in a lifetime and now spends it on their leftist Marxist beliefs and destructive projects. It's not like American taxpayers, especially you have our golden microphones 🎙 and movies. Nongovernmental organizations are funded from the U.S. federal budget 🇺🇸 Soros is no exception, as the Bill Gates Foundation and Medina, as the Hillary Clinton Foundation including.

All retired politicians are on the waiting list. They will climb into your pocket as if in your own safe for money for hidden purposes. Although we are aware, Recently Soros's criticism is considered anti-Semitism. But we don't give a shit today what they think or say. We have too high a background in terms of racial and other tolerances in the part of personality . We have three intolerant qualities in people: communist ideas of terrorists, lies, theft. We don't give a reason what kind of nationality this body is wearing these. We're going to gut this body inside out and scatter our guts on the new fence around the Capitol. The fence has grown including because of these fords and scum from them.

Let's go 🛫 on the fourth knead of this body. 
https://www.judicialwatch.org/blog/2018/12/u-s-subsidizes-soros-radical-leftist-agenda-worldwide-judicial-watch-special-report-shows/?utm_source=t.co&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=corruption%20chronicles

The U.S. government 🇺🇸 subsidized billionaire George Soros's radical leftist program by allocating hundreds of millions of dollars to its deeply politicized Open Society Funds (OSF) around the world, Judicial Watch documents show. Believing that democracy is subsidized? A special report on the Judicial Watch investigation documents the financial relationship between U.S.-subsidized entities and OSF ("open society") organizations to further implement Soros' action plan... in his quest to destabilize legitimate governments, to erase national borders ... We do not agree with all the talking points of this report, as 99% of analysts do not know the ultimate beneficiary and the goals of many projects, and especially the practical part carried out in the territories of the former USSR. Since Western analysts in parts of the USSR and Russia, for the most part do not understand the processes and are outspoken amateurs. That is why the U.S. loses round after round of Russia Putin, but he is not going to change his erroneous methodology. It is possible to endlessly increase budget expenditures by shifting the burden on the shoulders of taxpayers and milking the U.S. business indefinitely, flooding money with mediocrity and outright pests. The report also reportedly identifies GROUPS funded by THEF that promote, organize and support a caravan of illegal immigrants started in Honduras. Many of the left-wing groups also receive large sums from the United States. They include the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC), the American Constitutional Society, Centro para la Acci'n Legal en Derechos Humanos (Center for Human Rights Legal Action, CALDH) and many others, including those named in a special report published earlier this year. The big question is why American taxpayers are funding Soros and his heavily politicized OSF. Judicial Watch will continue to investigate and trial to get answers.

Sabine Fraser noted that yesterday about 8 people were thrown out of the Party of Regions and therefore the issue is under consideration, because people were excluded from political life. She also noted that human rights defenders are currently working on the return of criminally obtained assets from Europe. The Dutch and Austrians play an important role in this. We need to make sure that the criminal frozen assets are returned to Ukraine. Sabin is also interested in whether there is still a role for the Council of Europe to participate in the investigation of the events of the Maidan. She noted that she supports Semivolos from the point of view of international justice.

 Yarema Bachinsky noted that from the point of view of judicial reform, legal issues are related to life-long judging adopted by the parliament of Ukraine. He is not sure that this will require legislative changes on the part of parliament, and if the reform begins, then only with a new convocation will they be happy in the fall. He noted that there will be approximately 230 MPs in the coalition, which will consistently vote on reform issues.

 As for the transitional justice, Bachinsky noted that the main reason in this process is the restoration of people's confidence in the state. This may reveal the need to create a list of priority cases for the investigation. If we apply the basic principles, the Attorney General will not be able to ignore Firtash and others who are hindering reform. He also agrees that if the criminally obtained assets are returned to Ukraine, it will create a huge boost, especially in public opinion about the government. "Citizens will not seek justice with blood if the government is helping to return billions to Ukraine."

JS: Believes that the availability of transitional justice professionals for high-level consultation is essential, as is a high-level conference on this issue. He also noted that it is very important to punish some people involved in past crimes in order to ensure reconciliation. He also noted that he would like to discuss tomorrow the theses on the strategy of transitional justice. Then he asked how to create a new ideology of Ukraine and present it to the Ukrainian, Russian, world community.

 Alexandra Hnatiuk noted that there is very little information about the EU and the US in the Ukrainian language in the media space, because the Russian media have actually taken over Ukraine. There is a need to hear about the EU and the American perspective in the Ukrainian media, and civil society needs to be educated on these issues so as not to allow Putin and Medvedchuk to represent the EU as a bad institution.

 LB then indicated that DS is interested in people's perception of Poroshenko and to what extent he will be satisfactory for moving forward on issues of importance to the strategy of the Renaissance Foundation.

 Yarema Bachinsky noted that although he is not a Ukrainian voter, he has watched all major elections since 1990. He noted that P.P. Poroshenko has a credit of trust on both sides of the fence, despite being connected to the Maidan. He is viewed as a centrist, as a reliable business man who did not make his fortune on mountains of corpses. He noted that the important point is that P.P. Poroshenko is fluent in English and can express his point of view, so that nothing is lost in translation, which is important for strategic communication with the EU and the United States. Poroshenko was a secretary in the Yushchenko government and was a member of parliament for a long time. He is perceived as a fair player. Bachinsky did not hear anything about Poroshenko being in opposition to the principles of the Open Society and he did not contradict what the Open Society Foundations in Ukraine are doing together with the IMF. There is a need to get his attention now so that if he is indeed elected, we can align with him tightly enough to ensure that he does not oppose the principles of the Open Society Foundations and the IMF.

 Sushko noted that Poroshenko's biggest problem will be a conflict of interest with legislation. He is a really reliable candidate and works in a fairly transparent business, but if / when he becomes a presidential candidate in Ukraine, he will have to distance himself from the business, not just handing it over to relatives. As for others, some people who know him personally say that he tends to make decisions unilaterally without proper consultation. Although there are different opinions about him.

 Krastev noted that Russia is carrying out professional ideological propaganda against Ukraine. The Ukrainian government must share data with the international community and correct the image problem through strategic communication.

 Sushko noted that the regulations adopted now to prevent conflicts of interest in the field of decision-making on procurement are more transparent and open to the public.

 Krastev argued that it would be important to emphasize that P. Poroshenko is losing money because of the revolution, because his factories in Russia are closing. They really have to solve the publicity problem.

 10. Meeting of the Strategic Advisory Group (CAG)

 with George Soros

 Evgeny Bystritsky began the meeting with a summary of a recent lunch with the Program Manager, noting that George Soros suggested a more efficient way to organize a Strategic Advisory Group (hereinafter SCG) with the participation of local experts and background outside support from experts from high-level international organizations such as Erik Berglof ), act as advisers and European mediators between Ukrainian expert groups of EU institutions.

 Yevgeny noted that a preliminary agreement has been reached with the Minister of Economy Sheremet and that this is of great importance, it is necessary to discuss the bias at a meeting with Yatsenyuk tomorrow to make sure he is aware of this initiative and the government's support for it.

 Bystritsky also noted that at present there is no systematic work, including comprehensive program assistance to the government, and that the SCG is the first attempt to implement such a program.

 George Soros noted that we discussed the formation of the Strategic Advisory Group (hereinafter SCG) during lunch and drafted a document containing the ten principles of the SCG, so Eric started from a really good position. George noted that he feels that this program should have two pillars; purely Ukrainian efforts of those that Ukraine can perform itself. He stated that this fundamental element should work for the establishment of the rule of law, amendments and proposals to the anti-corruption legislation in order to make Ukraine an attractive partner for trade relations with the EU, attract and encourage business, improve the investment climate.

 The second element should focus on identifying which reforms will require external assistance so that international donors learn about urgent needs. He noted that the second fundamental principle will be in the style of the Marshall Plan and that the group of international experts who will work in the CGS, with this principle, will effectively help design and influence international donors in order to effectively allocate financial flows. This group will also advocate for the organization and public support of Ukraine at the international level to reverse the widespread belief that Ukraine has failed.

 In this model, foreign participation in the CGS will play two different roles, acting as a liaison between advocates and international donors, and also acting as a reference advisor on promising issues. He notes that Erik Berglof and the EBRD could play such a role by the parties' decision. If the EBRD is interested and ready to take on the role of the institutional partner of one of the options; if not, Eric can personally play the role of a partner.

 Mr. Soros noted that he is in full agreement with the tasks of the SCG, but he presents a slightly different concept. He asked those present to talk about various projects and relationships with the government, the civil society of the Maidan, as well as the assistance of special programs such as e-government programs (which will require foreign participation).

 Evgeny Bystritsky noted that there will be two channels in SKG, and they will have significant connections. The first channel will include representatives of civil society, whose activity will be aimed at promoting the development of anti-corruption issues and proposing bills for parliamentary approval. This channel requires initial government support. Currently, there is a preliminary agreement with Deputy Prime Minister Groisman for regional development. He zealously supports reforms in the field of decentralization, mainly based on changes in budgetary relationships between centers and regions, as well as for territorial reform. The next step in this effort will be the introduction of e-government. When he was the mayor of Vinnitsa, Groisman successfully developed and implemented an e-government project.

 Evgeniy also noted that the Renaissance Fund currently supports a coordination center in the Cabinet, working to coordinate civil society initiatives related to combating corruption. He noted that the JCG will receive information on the successes and failures of the implementation of civil initiatives, as they are related to the work of this group.

 George Soros then noted that an important addition to the current goals is the preservation of the Maidan forum.

 Eugene explained that after the first Maidan in Kiev, the development of Maidans all over Ukraine followed, which are used as a tool to promote policy change at all levels of government. These efforts are aimed at developing a network of Maidans throughout the country.

 George Soros said that the main thing is that civil society should support the activities of the Maidan in order to ensure influence on the government, in order to push the government to establish the rule of law, implementing all reform initiatives in this area.

 Sabina Fraser noted that currently there are four levels of activity adopted by the Renaissance Foundation and partners in Ukraine. The first level of the community, which focuses on strengthening local maidans and civic forums. The second tier includes a comprehensive anti-corruption reform package made up of elite nongovernmental organizations working directly with the Cabinet. The third level consists of the SCG, and at this level think tanks and policy experts will work directly with the government on reforms. The fourth level involves the participation of international experts and consultants.

 Evgeniy noted that the level of the Maidan is closely related to the level of experts, since most of those who were active on the Maidan are also members of the expert community.

 Eric Berglof noted that he is thinking about his role and the formation of his involvement in the SCG project. The principles he promoted to civil society will be critical at every stage of reform, and this will be especially important in the early stages of forming a competent group. He then noted that a number of reform programs have been implemented in the past and that we must learn from this experience.

 This reform program should be completely Ukrainian; it should in no way resemble a specially selected program. Eric noted that he would be very happy to play an active role in the second level described by George Soros, and he feels he has a competitive edge in this area. He noted that he will be able to follow the work plan of the expert group.

 The Ukrainian expert group will identify areas where EU involvement will be useful and it can involve relevant institutions. He also noted that it would be useful for him to put together a group of international experts to consult with the Ukrainian group upon special request. Eric then noted that the planned structure of the Ukrainian SCG would consist of Igor Burakovsky and Sasha Pivovarsky (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development) as Secretary General.

 Evgeniy noted that the SCG core will give exclusively economic advice, which is extremely important right now in connection with the current crisis of trade and economic relations between Ukraine and Russia.

 Erik Berglof noted that in his experience, if you are poorly versed in economics, then any type of reform will inevitably fail. He argues that we need to think in general about the political economy and social programs, as well as health care in order to successfully implement reforms.

 Igor Burakovsky made an introduction stating that he should be appointed to the presidency by agreement. Then he noted two points: first, the SCG will be very important for the country because the government is currently busy with solving urgent problems; and secondly, he believes that when we discuss the reform program, we must take into account the need to unite with a special government council on urgent problems, as well as in the preparation of strategic documents. With regard to strategic documents, he foresees the need to create a document that will correct the current situation, a document on what the international community can do and what Ukraine is asking of it.

 Igor noted that the SCG should exist for up to a year and that the special council should be limited to Kiev. He also noted the need to organize a physical headquarters and suggested using the construction potential of the Renaissance Fund for this.

 Eugene noted some confusion with the state of the buildings of the Renaissance Foundation, and that a decision needs to be made.

 George Soros asked the group where the SCG would be located.

 Igor noted that there are some facilities available for the use of the SCG, it is possible to start activities at the institute where he works and that another building can be used to coordinate the work of all four levels of the project. This will have an important impact on the availability of tools for experts to use when needed.

 George Soros noted that technical logistics should be developed and taken into account, and that we will find something for the SKG. As far as time limits for the group were concerned, he would not be interested in limiting the time to a year, but would prefer to leave this question open, depending on the success of the JCG. He suggested a 3-year timeframe, dependent on annual reports. He does not think that setting time limits is a big problem to be solved at this time.

 George noted that he approved the first year budget for the SCG in consultation with the Ukrainian government. He does not know if we should change the budget indicators to include the Maidan and the government, but he believes that we can fit into the same budget.

 Then he turned to the Renaissance Fund with a request to organize and send a request to international donors to support the project. There is no problem for the EU and other donors not to pay. We will start the project, but they have to fund the continuation of the work.

 Eric Berglof noted that he had a meeting with the Swedes last week, they are, in principle, ready to take on the project.

 George Soros said he would like to brief donors this week at a meeting with EU ambassadors to assess interest in the SCG and draw attention to the budget. Igor and George then decided to submit a three-year budget. George believes that the project will grow and be successful in any case, and therefore they have to submit a budget of 3 million per year, it will be accepted for consideration at the end of the first year of work.

 Eric Berglof agreed that this time will be a signal to other donors about this project.

 Lenny Bernardo then found out from George that the project would require $ 9 million over three years, in addition to the $ 1 million promised for emergency response.

 Sabine Fraser then asked if the e-government and decentralization project could fit into the CGS or would require a separate group.

 George Soros responded that the e-government initiative should be implemented by a separate group and we should decide how it fits into the broader reform plan. He noted that we need to take into account two processes. We have Maidan and he thinks that this activity is inherently Ukrainian and should be financed by the Renaissance Fund. It should be written that the Maidan group advocating reforms with the government is supported by the foundation. From the point of view of e-government, there will be some kind of cooperation with the Cabinet of Ministers, and on some issues with Deputy Prime Minister Groisman.

 The e-government implementation plan should be based on the Georgian and Estonian experience, and we want to start its implementation in Kiev as a model, and then establish a training center in Vinnitsa, other regions can participate on a voluntary basis. The e-government project will require investments to expand the broadband potential of Ukraine. Therefore, we must develop a budget plan separately.

 Evgeniy noted that he does not consider the development of e-government initiatives to be expensive, and instead the key aspect is the need to push local authorities to implement it. Mayors in general were interested in implementing e-government because it would save money and lead to a noticeable and immediate increase in the density of public contacts with the government. For the project in Vinnitsa, implemented by Groisman, the Renaissance Fund allocated no more than 200,000 USD, Groisman took the missing funds from the state budget.

 George Soros noted that the EU is already planning to provide 400 million euros next year and that these funds should be allocated for e-government projects, and our advisory group is tasked with helping the EU to spend these funds. It is very important to make a prototype of the model in Kiev with Klitschko as a partner. He should ask for funding from the EU and we would help him to do this.

 Yevgeny noted that Klitschko can use e-governance as a platform for the electoral campaign.

 George Soros noted that it is extremely important for new leaders to demonstrate their commitment to the new Ukraine to the international community and donors. It would be important to discuss a communication program about how the Ukrainian public communicates with the Russian, as well as the wider world community, in the sense that the old Ukraine is disappearing, and the new one is rapidly moving forward on the basis of democracy and reforms.

Evgeny then returned to the conversation about SKG and invited Pivovarsky to speak.

 Sasha Pivovarsky noted that he thinks that the idea of ​​intensively developing the reform program and simultaneously helping the government to reach all stakeholders (Maidan, bureaucracy, international donors, society) will be a key first step. At the same time, he noted that SKG may have to spend some of its energy on firefighting methods for emergency situations, providing urgent assistance to liaise Ukrainian officials with international experts. He cites the need to formulate a comprehensive security program in order to gain the support of the international community. Ignoring ideas can unsettle the CGS reform agenda. It is important to use the time we meet with government ministers next week to get their approval to work on the reform agenda and build political will.

 George Soros asked Pivovarsky, Berglof and Bystritsky to prepare a one-page document for distribution to government ministers with whom they will meet tomorrow.

 Sushko noted that he had previously proposed the idea of ​​a JGC in Yatsenyuk's office, but it would be good to change the description of the principles based on the results of that discussion at tomorrow's meeting. He noted that it is possible to do this. Then he noted that the second stage of the SKG will be two-track; the first track will help implement the Marshall plan and collect ideas from Ukrainian experts on problem areas where the West can help in communication with EU institutions; the second track will be a long-term perspective made up of collected ideas.

 Lenny Bernardo noted that the President of the EBRD is currently ready for the second part and is ready to devote 25% of the time free of charge to the SCG in Ukraine.

 Eric Berglof noted that the EBRD could also offer more Ukrainian staff to help with the initiative.

 Sasha Pivovarsky noted that there may be problems at the second stage of the CGS, where Ukraine may need more intensive assistance from international donors. He noted that they could identify the gaps affecting the specific allocation of resources for the second phase. Sasha also spoke about the need to make an independent monitoring of the reform program throughout the entire stage.

 George Soros then asked if the ideas of the 10 principles were presented in the speech?

 Sasha Pivovarsky noted that these are just examples where SKG can help. This will be our role to ensure that there is sufficient focus on certain areas.

 George Soros noted that our mission in working with the IMF is to consult the Ukrainian government, which conditionally will make it possible not to agree to cuts in health care and social programs. The SCG should advise the Ukrainian government on how to properly negotiate with the IMF.

 George Soros returned to the e-government program. He noted that, due to the fact that we will be working in Kiev with Klitschko and at the training ground in Vinnitsa, it would be important for donors and the EU to direct funds to this project. Who will promote this activity? Do we need to create a separate group for this?

 Evgeny replied that we would probably need to create a group for this, separate from the SKG, but associated with it.

 George Soros then noted that Krastev mentioned Google as a potential supporter of the e-government program, and that in addition he would like to bring the Smartmetrics group working on e-elections to help with this initiative. He met with them last week and they are working out the second part of the electronic election, and when he mentioned meeting with Muhika, they got interested.

 Evgeniy noted that the Vozrozhdenie Foundation has good relations with Microsoft and they are very active in Ukraine. He suggested that we could collaborate with them on e-government.

 George Soros liked the idea and noted that Microsoft could potentially donate hardware to an e-government project in Kiev. He stated that he will meet with Smartmetrics again at the end of April and he will invite them to send someone to Ukraine for consultations on the e-government initiative.

 Evgeniy noted that he invited more experts to this meeting, and that the SCG will develop an integrated approach based on their expertise. Then he asked what the colleagues present thought about the key economic problems facing Ukraine.

 Oksana (Oksana Kuziakiv, Head, Head of the Center for Contemporary Public Research) noted that the main problem of Ukraine is corruption and the “rules of the game” for business in Ukraine. There is a need to develop European business standards in Ukraine in order to ensure the viability and solvency of small businesses in addition to large enterprises.

 Vasily Yurchishin (director of economic programs, Razumkov Center), noted that the SKG came just in time, because despite the government's great ambitions in economic reforms, it lacks capacity. There is a great need to focus government efforts on the lessons of the past. The main issue will be the creation of an institutional network and the appropriate behavior of entrepreneurs and civil society in Ukraine.

 The need for institutional regional reforms has matured and Groisman is responsible for decentralization. Institutional reform is also needed in the field of social policy, as well as agriculture. At the moment, they cannot optimize private ownership of agricultural land. In addition, institutional changes in banking are needed, because we do not yet have special banks for regional development. There are many other problems facing Ukraine, all political actions and proposals should be assessed through the prism of public opinion by the main focal point. This will be important for the sociological service included in the pre- and post-implementation (e-government) assessment because it will stimulate public support and start a transition period.

 George Soros replied that Vasily is asking for something that does not yet exist in any context. However, this is new and very important for assessing public opinion. Again, he reiterated that the big problem is communication and there is a need to formulate information about what the Ukrainian government and the Maidan are trying to do together. He noted that the institutionalization of the Maidan is unique and this is what led to the success of the revolution.

 Lenny Bernardo noted that at that moment there were many problems with the reform package, the main problem was the complete lack of strategic communications that could lead to the failure of the program.

 George Soros noted that the same issue applies to the EU, and that his own great knowledge of the current situation is to use the EU to save Ukraine, but also to use Ukraine to save the EU. He noted that it would be advisable to create a focus group on combating corruption in order to find out the main problems that need to be addressed. The Renaissance Foundation together with the focus group will identify the most important problems, because those who are “on earth” know the problems exactly and can help this process. And the same will need to be repeated in the regions in order to assess the local corruption realities.

 Eric Berglof noted that focus groups are mentioned in the SCG principles and he agrees with George on this issue.

 George Soros then noted that some ideas for comprehensive EU assistance could include political risk insurance for investments and exports to Ukraine to prepare for two activities. This is necessary in order to attract capital and facilitate export credits given the current political risk. European companies should encourage the creation of joint ventures and subsidiaries in Ukraine to facilitate the sale of EU products and the export of products from Ukraine to the EU market. This would open up the private sector to participate in the reform program. It would be just as important for European companies to provide training in the management of Ukrainian companies so that they can be competitive in the global market. The EU has temporarily opened its market to Ukraine, but this opening must be approved and the opening of the Ukrainian market to EU needs will be phased in to avoid a flood of goods and potential bankruptcy. This should be the basis for the EU Marshall Plan for Ukraine.

 Burakovsky noted that a political risk insurance scale should be created. He noted that colleagues from the EBRD have experience on these issues, they implemented the initiative in Vienna in 2007-2009 and worked with EU banks in European markets before the downturn. It is possible to ask these EU banks remaining in Ukraine not to leave the market or leave, but not so quickly.

 Eric Berglof noted that they are currently working on this issue at the EBRD. In Ukraine, the banking system accounts for about 17% of Western European and 15% of Russian, and the rest of the interest is small and state-owned banks. The IMF will ask private banks to adhere to current risks. This situation differs from the Vienna Initiative because parenting institutions are currently a problem, which may be needed for regulatory policy and risk mitigation.

 George Soros asked whether it would be advisable to organize business focus groups in order to assess the potential of Ukrainian companies in terms of management, etc., in order to achieve success in the field of import / export in business with the EU.

 Sasha Pivovarsky noted that at present there are business associations, such as the US and EU Chamber of Commerce, groups with which we can work are concentrated there.

 Eric Berglof noted that it would be useful to create an investment council for foreign and domestic investors to discuss issues of improving the investment climate.

 Sasha Pivovarsky noted that the system that still exists is not effective, so it is important to revive this group.

 Burakovsky noted that the general business climate requires efforts, because there is a huge problem with Ukrainian producers exporting to Russia. And it's not always obvious how to redirect exports. These issues should be discussed in small focus groups.

 Konstantin Kravchuk (Researcher at the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting) reiterated that the main problem facing the government is the emphasis on the legality of decisions made related to economic relations between Ukraine and Russia. He also noted the need of the Ukrainian government to receive advice on the reorientation of exports to other markets.

 George Soros noted that the issue of relations with Russia is serious and can be tied to the issue of the transfer of powers and is directly dangerous in the light of the imminent deal between Putin and Merkel on the federalization of Ukraine. He noted that this issue will potentially arise between Putin and the United States, therefore Lavrov and Kerry are meeting today.

 Soros worries that Putin's plan proposed by Merkel uses the German model of federalism in a new Ukrainian constitution that would be attractive to Merkel but destructive to Ukraine.

 If federalism is imposed on Ukraine, it will mark Putin's victory, because it is an extremely destabilizing and delegitimizing factor for the Ukrainian government. This is the de facto division of Ukraine between East and West and the betrayal of the Maidan.

 Soros also said that it would be a violation of Ukraine's sovereignty, if this deal happens, then all the parties involved will be complicit in this crime. He noted that he believes the Western powers are receptive to the idea and that he has heard reports that Merkel is accepting them.

 German public opinion is in favor of the deal and is concerned that this is Ukraine's number one challenge. Soros proposed to revitalize the Maidan, opposing any proposed federal system.

Evgeniy noted that they are already doing this at the Ukraine Crisis Media Center, that they are funding the immediate translation of all messages from the Ukrainian government into English and Russian for distribution. Journalists conduct interviews with officials, experts and activists to ensure balanced coverage of events in Ukraine and the fight against Russian propaganda.

 Burakovsky noted that the people-for-people approach is key and should focus on talking about decentralization, in opposition to federalism, in order to convey to Merkel and other international players that federalism will be a serious blow to Ukraine.

 George Soros suggested that we need people to come to the Ukrainian Crisis Center tomorrow and relay messages against the federalism plan.

Sasha Pivovarsky reiterated that the federalism plan would be the beginning of the end of Ukraine, and that information should be presented in this way in the press for international consumption.

 George Soros is convinced that the international community, including Merkel and the German business community, does not understand the Federalist plan.

 Sabine Fraser agreed with them, noting that it is important to make it clear that federalism is not acceptable at this time. She spoke with the ambassador in Berlin and noted that he said that Germany is not interested in the federalization of Ukraine, while it is interested in decentralization.

 Bergloff noted that during his meetings with Talbott in Washington, he learned that decentralization, as opposed to federalism, is of key importance.

 George Soros noted that he is still concerned about the information he received from the Bundestag Foreign Policy Committee, which spoke out in favor of federalism and noted the need to confirm this point of view, one way or another.

 George Soros noted that he wanted to see Burakovsky again before leaving Ukraine. Burakovsky will return to Kiev on Tuesday.

 Eric Berglof described the situation in the banking sector at the request of George Soros. He noted that after the economic crisis of 2008, a number of EU banks left Ukraine, and the Russian banking sector was expanding. The few remaining EU banks have been recapitalized and are still operating. Other banks in Ukraine are large state-owned banks and oligarchic structures, or generally small independent banks with a poor prospect.

 He noted that Ukraine is vulnerable in this new crisis and there is a need to conduct stress tests on banks in order to force shareholders to recapitalize. The system can still be salvaged, but if steps are not taken in this direction, it could be a real disaster. And although he does not like working with state banks, there is one who can help in this situation.

 George Soros then asked if the ECB would be able to make a liquidity reserve in Ukraine?

Eric Berglof noted that this idea of ​​making a program like the Vienna Initiative on Ukraine is acceptable to the ECB, however, they most likely will not be ready to open a credit line.

 Sasha Pivovarsky noted that it would be important to check the parental institutions of the current Western banks in Ukraine in order to ensure that there is no pressure on subsidiaries to leave Ukraine.

 George Soros noted the link between banking and political risks. There is a need to find out who will guarantee the political risks and what has already been done in this direction.

 Sasha Pivovarsky noted that part of the IMF's conditions requires that the current policy in the banking sector be abandoned as unsuccessful, and this, in turn, may lead to the banks demanding something from the government in return.

 George Soros noted that agriculture is a very important part of the Ukrainian economy and asked for an update on the current situation.

Yaroslav Zhalilo noted that the Ukrainian agricultural system is highly fragmented. There is a strong industry for the export of sunflower oil, but there are also small farms that supply the bulk of meat and dairy products. The fact is that the agricultural sector is of great social importance for the rural population.

 George Soros asked if the reforms were adopted in the current situation.

 Zhalilo noted that collective farms no longer exist; they were transformed either into cooperatives, private companies, or into large holdings engaged in the production of wheat and sunflower. He stressed that milk production accounts for 80% of the production of small households with only a few cows, which is a problem for exports as the industrial efficiency is low. They can, however, easily export milk powder because they have the technical ability to do so. They export products to Russia and the countries of the Customs Union. George Soros noted at the time that Putin has a personal interest in Ukraine failing, hence the federalization plan. But he also noted that Putin cannot afford a new Ukraine. He asked if the EU is really ready to integrate Ukrainian agriculture into Europe?

 Zhalilo noted that the Kherson region has a successful export experience to the EU. Supported by an international grant, a small dairy farm produces milk and cheese for export that meet EU requirements. A good next step would be a series of small grants for similar initiatives in Ukraine, because there are people who are willing and able to do this. This will be important for the development of regional policy.

 George Soros then noted the need to create a working group on agriculture in Ukraine. Dmytro Shulga (Director, European Initiative, Renaissance Fund), noted that the agricultural aspect is the most difficult to understand and to reach a compromise in the full openness of EU markets for Ukrainian exports, but instead, quotas can be set based on statistics from the early 2000s. He noted that some of the EU's support could go towards expanding these quotas and the CGS could help attract the right people to negotiate with the EU.

 Oksana Kuzyakova then noted that we must understand that there are three main centers requiring investment to support the development of agriculture in Ukraine and that these centers are supported by USAID grants and the Agro Invest program.

 George Soros noted that he was very encouraged by the conversation and has a positive view on the future of the SCG.

 11. Soros article for the New York Review of Books

 (A New Policy to Rescue Ukraine)

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Continuation follows...

Eɗiᴛ᧐r-iᥒ-ᥴɦiᥱf ദ 🃏 รཞ୲ദບℓ౿ ℓ.