A Plan for Rebuilding Ukraine

Post # 378, Bob McKnight's Florida Commentary

Here is a chance for Europe to step in and solve a European Crisis.

With Donald Trump re-becoming President, there are many unanswered questions about world stability. Among the first to come to mind is the Russian War against its neighbor, Ukraine. Under President Biden and the 2020-24 Congress, America has steadfastly supported Ukraine. Most of Europe and NATO have been supportive, with some exceptions, such as Germany under Chancellor Olaf Scholz. His replacement, Frank-Walter Steinmeir, appears to support Trump's call for NATO to provide more support for Europe.

The conservative Think Tank Hoover Institute, has identified a source of funding for rebuilding Ukraine that might just work if Trump supports it. At the start of the War, the West froze $300 billion of Russian funds for the reconstruction and rearming of Ukraine. It is estimated that Russia has caused $150 billion in damage to Ukraine and $500 billion in economic losses.

This presents Trump a perfect opportunity to force Putin to withdraw without looking like a defeat. He can use Germany's election as an indication of Europe taking more responsibility for European peace. Most importantly, the $300 billion has grown into cash dollars or the British pound. It is readily liquid. Ukraine is owed reparations from Russia already, so the legal justification is in place. The funds could also be moved into a trust to benefit Ukraine, as Saddam Hussein's funds were used to rebuild Kuwait after the Gulf War. Allied powers used a similar mechanism, using German funds to pay for reparations after WWII. The ball is teed up for Trump.

This is a rare and unusual opportunity for President Trump to achieve success early in his Administration. He can use a tested and legally sound mechanism to force his friend, Vladimir Putin, to a truce and begin the rebuilding of Ukraine, primarily with European funds. The ball is in Trump's court.

NOTICE: THE NATIONAL POLITICAL CLIMATE HAS DETERIORATED TO THE POINT OF MY DECISION TO TERMINATE MY WEEKLY COMMENTARY. THIS POST WILL BE MY LAST TO CONINCIDE WITH THE END OF YOUR SUBSCRIPTION. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT.