His case indicates a requirement for ideological clarity among those helping Ukraine’s reconstruction. But while unequivocal commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty is expected from individuals, few questions are asked about the motivations of much bigger players in the effort. 

Giants of the investment and banking worlds such as BlackRock and JPMorgan Chase are already closely involved — BlackRock is helping in “designing an investment framework” for reconstruction, while JPMorgan is advising on rebuilding, financial stabilisation and economic ties to Europe. Meanwhile, the European Investment Bank recently approved an initiative to help finance reconstruction, and various foreign governments are keen to help their companies access Ukrainian projects in everything from transport and energy to housing and agriculture.

Yet any potential dissonance, from the perspective of national sovereignty, between large investors’ desire to support an independent Ukraine and the influence they will gain in the country by doing so receives little attention.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledges that there are conditions for doing good in Ukraine, telling an investors’ summit “we want you to invest in Ukraine and earn money.” With “ESG” (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles dominating the world of big business and finance, investors are familiar with the importance of profitability to moral causes. Helping to rebuild Ukraine has already been described as “the ultimate ESG play”, with investors urged to “consider the positive ESG spin.” 

And while gaining profits and prestige from the reconstruction of Ukraine, large investors will also gain political influence. Ukraine may have to adapt its regulatory environment to reflect a new dependency on foreign investment, and there is growing excitement about new opportunities for international investors, such as potential reforms to facilitate foreign involvement in Ukraine’s enormous agricultural sector.

Meanwhile, political actors will also bring their own agendas to bear in Ukraine’s reconstruction. The European Union is positioning itself to play a leading role, with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stating that “investments will go hand-in-hand with reforms that will support Ukraine in pursuing its European path.” Like other governments and institutions, the EU will encourage investments that tie in with its own goals: the potential for a rebuilt Ukraine to “support the green transition of Europe” is already being breathlessly discussed by some. 

After putting an end to gross Russian violations of its national sovereignty, Ukraine will have to face up to the political risks inherent in its reconstruction. Controversial opinions among individuals tasked with helping this cause will pale into insignificance compared to the worrying influence which international bodies look set to gain over Ukraine’s future.