The Economics of Conflict: Ukraine in Focus
Channel: Center for Strategic & International Studies
Date: 29/04/2015

Please join us for a timely discussion on the economic consequences of the ongoing conflict and political instability in Ukraine, as well as the opportunities for structural reform and ways that the international community can assist Ukraine overcome its significant economic challenges.  Made possible by the generous support of East Magazine on the release of its latest issue, this discussion will explore the increasingly difficult economic situation that Ukraine faces today as the Hryvnia has depreciated by nearly 70%, Ukrainian inflation is in excess of 30%, an economy that is expected to contract by a further -7.5% this year, and a debt-to-GDP ratio that has nearly doubled. Although the IMF and other lenders recently agreed to restructure a portion of this debt and the U.S. and EU have extended nearly $2 billion each in credit lines and guarantees, Ukraine will require a great deal of additional aid as it seeks to restore economic growth and service its $40 billion in debt obligations. Can the Ukrainian government stabilize its economy amidst continued conflict in the Donbas?   What additional assistance can the EU and U.S. provide, and are they politically prepared to extend more loans?  What are the consequences if the Ukrainian economy collapses or if Kiev must default on its debt?  

Featuring

Mr. Giuseppe Scognamiglio
Chairman, Europeye; Publisher, East Global Geopolitics
Executive Vice President for Group Institutional and Regulatory Affairs, UniCredit

Mr. Rory MacFarquhar
Special Assistant to the President
Senior Director for International Economics and Finance, U.S. National Security Council

Ambassador John Herbst
Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine
Director, Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center, Atlantic Council
 
Moderated by

Ms. Heather A. Conley
Senior Vice President for Europe, Eurasia, and the Arctic
Director, Europe Program, CSIS
 
http://csis.org/event/economics-conflict-ukraine-focus