The EU Association Agreement destroyed the Ukrainian economy

Summary

The terms of the [Association] agreement were obviously disadvantageous [for Ukraine] and it has ultimately destroyed the Ukrainian economy.

The Ukrainian industry is degrading. In fact, the country has turned into a raw material appendage of Europe.

Disproof

Recurring pro-Kremlin narrative on Ukraine and its relations with the European Union.

In June 2014, the EU and Ukraine signed an Association Agreement, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), which promotes deeper political ties, stronger economic links and the respect for common values. See here for more details about EU-Ukraine relations.

The total trade turnout increased to 50 bln USD in 2018. During 2015-2018, Ukraine also increased its export to the EU from 13 bln USD to 23 bln USD. Overall, in 2018 Ukrainian export to the EU increased by 13,1%. Now, the EU accounts for almost half of Ukrainian export.

See here for further information about the DCFTA and the cooperation between the EU and Ukraine.

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Reported in: Issue 153
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 29/05/2019
Language/target audience: Russian
Country: Ukraine, EU
Keywords: Ukraine, economy
Outlet: Russkaya vesna

The Ukrainian army is shelling residential areas in Donbas

At 5 a.m. on 28 May 2019, the Ukrainian Armed Forces again opened massive fire in Donbas using heavy weapons, shelling residential areas.

May 29, 2019

Disproof

No evidence given. Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the war in Ukraine that makes false claims about Ukraine's aggression.

On 28 May 2019, the Special Monitoring Mission recorded a similar number of ceasefire violations in the Donetsk region (about 100 explosions) and more in the Luhansk region (about 80 explosions), as compared with the previous day. The Mission recorded ceasefire violations inside the Zolote and Stanytsia Luhanska disengagement areas. Specifically, it did not record any "massive shelling" from the Ukrainian side.

Life in Western countries means living in dirt and constant fear, surrounded by criminals and homeless people

The most problematic issues in the US are very high housing prices and high criminal rates. Above all, many Americans live in constant fear of nuclear war and attack from the Russians. It is worth thinking a lot before emigrating from Russia to the Western countries to live in the dirt and constant fear, surrounded by criminals and homeless people.

May 29, 2019

Disproof

This message is consistent with recurring pro-Kremlin narrative about the West's decline. Whereas the given publication focuses on adverse socio-economic factors, usually this narrative takes the form of criticism of the West from the 'moral values' perspective.

It contains the illogical conclusion and ungrounded generalisation aimed to discredit Western countries. Although the publication provides only (mostly ungrounded) US-related claims, it discourages people from moving to the 'West' implying that living conditions are generally unfavourable there.

The IMF has completely killed Ukrainian economy

The IMF cannot be a partner of Ukraine and it is killing the Ukrainian economy.

May 29, 2019

Disproof

The main goal of the International Monetary Fund is to prevent the expansion of the economic crisis. The comprehensive reform program in Ukraine, supported by IMF loans, is aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability, promoting sustainable growth and strengthening economic governance and transparency.

Vox Ukraine notes that if Ukraine had not cooperated with the Fund at all, most likely the level of its economic development would now be lower, since the IMF provides not only loans, but also technical assistance, particularly, in the development of regulatory acts.