Privatization in Disguise: How Our Institutions’ Goals Overlook-

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Privatization in Disguise: How Our Institutions’ Goals Overlook the Real Needs of the People - Which family is attempting to take control of Ukraine using our tax dollars?

"No more innocent lives lost, no more of our military sacrificed for needless causes driven by greed and power.." Vince Cordova

Who Truly Owns Ukraine?

If we genuinely aim to help, Ukrainians should have full ownership of their natural resources. Supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty means ensuring they control their own wealth. - Vincent Cordova

Let’s be real. When we say “supporting democracy abroad,” it sounds noble, but when billions of tax dollars funnel into foreign economies only to serve a few powerful interests, it’s not hard to see there’s a serious disconnect. The ongoing story in Ukraine is a prime example. It’s a tale of institutions with lofty language and bold claims, but at the heart of it, we’re sending billions not to Ukrainians who need it most, but to fund agendas that don’t align with the actual needs of the people—either in Ukraine or here in the U.S.

From Ukraine’s vantage point, the constant influx of Western aid might look like a lifeline. But for the everyday Ukrainian, the benefits seem elusive. Poverty rates are barely budging, and the supposed “aid” often lands in the hands of big contractors, foreign consultants, and well-connected elites. And here at home, we see a similar story: Americans watch their tax dollars head overseas without the transparency they deserve. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Let’s look at how we can create real partnerships that actually prioritize people over privatization.

The Illusion of Aid: Who Really Benefits?

Ask yourself, when billions of U.S. dollars are sent overseas, who are we really helping? Ukraine’s infrastructure needs rebuilding, their economy needs revival, and their people need real opportunities. Yet, much of this money seems to be funneled into self-serving projects, benefiting corporations and leaving local needs behind. And what’s worse? We’re enabling a privatization wave, with Ukraine’s leadership often pressured to open public assets to private investors. This isn’t partnership—it’s a sell-off.

Look no further than the case of recent defense and economic “aid.” While we hear grand figures in billions, who’s seeing these funds? Foreign contractors, international consultants, and special interest groups make a killing while the poverty rate in Ukraine stagnates. Meanwhile, the well-connected have found a golden ticket in privatizing what should be public assets—essentially pushing Ukraine’s economy toward foreign ownership, with little consideration for the Ukrainian people’s stake in it.

An Old Story: Our Institutions’ Self-Serving Agendas

Unfortunately, this isn’t new. We’ve seen it in other countries where “support” meant conditional loans, privatization mandates, and Western-driven reforms that left local populations struggling. The question isn’t whether we should support countries in need; it’s how we support them. When our institutions set goals that revolve around profit and influence, the people of Ukraine—and even Americans footing the bill—are left out of the equation.

The connection between power and profit here is clear. While we watch our leaders declare their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, the on-the-ground result is often just the opposite. The influence we exert is aimed at aligning Ukraine’s economy with the interests of private entities, not with the welfare of its citizens. And when the president of Ukraine is pressured to go along with it, it’s hard to see this as anything other than a bought-and-paid-for agenda. This isn’t partnership; it’s control, wrapped in diplomatic packaging.

A New Kind of Partnership: Models that Serve the People

The good news? It doesn’t have to be this way. There are models out there that put people first, that treat countries as real partners rather than assets. Here’s how:

- The Marshall Plan Approach : Instead of imposing our model, we could look back at the post-WWII Marshall Plan, which focused on building local economies without taking control. Imagine if we did the same in Ukraine—focusing on locally driven projects, directly funding infrastructure, and empowering Ukrainians to lead their own recovery. That’s a partnership.

- Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach : Nobel laureate Amartya Sen’s philosophy teaches us that progress is about expanding people’s real freedoms and capabilities. For Ukraine, this would mean focusing our aid on things that help Ukrainians directly: health, education, and economic opportunity. Real aid isn’t about reshaping economies for outside investors; it’s about supporting people to build the futures they want.

- Mutual Aid and Local Leadership : There’s power in letting people take charge. After natural disasters, we’ve seen mutual aid empower local organizations to lead recovery. Why can’t we do the same in Ukraine? Instead of funneling money to foreign contractors, we could be funding Ukrainian organizations, cooperatives, and businesses to rebuild on their terms.

- Joseph Stiglitz’s “Development as Sovereignty” : Economist Joseph Stiglitz argues that development policies need to respect a country’s own choices and context. Ukraine should be free to set its own course. A real partnership wouldn’t insist on privatization as a condition for aid; it would let Ukraine decide how best to rebuild and grow.

- Participatory Budgeting : Give the people a voice! In cities like Porto Alegre, Brazil, residents help decide how public money is spent. Imagine if Ukrainians had a say in where the aid goes—an open process where funds are allocated based on local priorities, not foreign agendas. That’s how you build trust and create real impact.

- Local Content Requirements (LCRs) : Let’s ensure any foreign investments benefit Ukraine’s people first. By requiring companies to hire locally, source locally, and keep profits within Ukraine, we could help Ukrainians see the direct benefits of foreign aid.

Holding Our Leaders Accountable: A Call for Transparency

So, how do we make this happen? It starts with transparency. It’s time to demand an honest accounting of where our tax dollars are going. When leaders send billions abroad without explaining the specifics, they undermine public trust. Americans have a right to know that their hard-earned money is helping real people, not serving private interests.

And let’s be clear—this isn’t about stopping aid to Ukraine. It’s about making sure that aid goes where it’s needed: to the people. Ukraine doesn’t need a forced privatization scheme; it needs roads, hospitals, schools, and support for local businesses. Instead of allowing corporations to dictate Ukraine’s future, we should be empowering Ukrainians to shape it themselves.

A Path Forward: People Over Profits

We have a choice. We can continue down this path of self-serving agendas, letting our institutions push for privatization under the guise of “aid.” Or we can start building real partnerships, driven by the needs of the people, not the profits of a few. Ukraine deserves more than just foreign interests vying for control; it deserves a chance to build a future that truly benefits its people.

By rethinking our approach to foreign aid, we can start a new chapter—one that values genuine partnership over control, and one that respects both American taxpayers and the people we claim to support. The time for change is now. Let’s make sure that the next dollar we send abroad builds something real, something lasting, and something that belongs to the people.

What can a president do?

A president has significant tools and authority to shift the focus of foreign aid, ensuring it serves people rather than private interests. Here are concrete actions a president could take to bring about genuine partnership-based aid:

1. Executive Orders to Redirect Aid Goals

- Prioritize People-Centered Aid : Through executive orders, a president can mandate that foreign aid programs prioritize funding for local infrastructure, healthcare, education, and community development. Aid would be allocated in a way that benefits ordinary people directly, ensuring resources go to public services rather than private ventures.

- Limit Privatization Requirements : The president could issue orders prohibiting aid from being tied to privatization mandates, ensuring that recipient countries like Ukraine don’t have to open public assets to foreign ownership in exchange for support.

2. Establish Transparency and Accountability Measures for Aid Spending

- Public Reporting on Aid Allocation : The president can require all agencies to publish detailed breakdowns of where foreign aid money goes, ensuring transparency and enabling public oversight.

- Independent Audits : By mandating independent audits of foreign aid projects, the president can make sure funds are spent effectively and prevent private entities from siphoning off resources meant to help local communities.

3. Create a “Local First” Policy for Aid Contracts

- Local Content Requirements : A president can direct aid agencies to implement policies that favor local contractors, businesses, and workers, ensuring that aid directly benefits the local economy. This would involve rules requiring aid money to be spent on local goods and services whenever possible.

- Encourage Local Partnerships : Aid projects could be structured to work directly with community-based organizations, cooperatives, and local governments in the recipient country, allowing aid to be directed by those who understand the real needs on the ground.

4. Implement Participatory Budgeting for Foreign Aid

- Citizen Input in Aid Spending : A president could pilot participatory budgeting initiatives for foreign aid, where local citizens in recipient countries have a say in how funds are allocated. This approach, which has been successful in cities around the world, would ensure aid spending aligns with the priorities of the people it’s intended to help.

- Partnership with NGOs and Community Leaders : By working closely with local NGOs and community leaders, a president could ensure aid projects are tailored to the specific needs of each region, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach imposed from outside.

5. Shift Foreign Aid Strategy Toward Long-Term Development

- Support Infrastructure Over Quick Profits : A president could prioritize long-term projects like roads, healthcare facilities, schools, and clean water systems rather than short-term, profit-driven projects. Infrastructure investments provide a foundation for sustained growth and benefit the population directly.

- Invest in Local Capacity Building : Instead of relying heavily on foreign contractors, a president could direct aid toward training local workers and building local expertise, ensuring that aid money contributes to lasting economic independence.

6. Champion Global Standards for Ethical Aid

- International Aid Standards : A president can lead global initiatives to set standards for ethical aid, encouraging other nations to adopt people-centered aid policies that respect sovereignty and avoid exploitative conditions.

- Partner with Like-Minded Countries : By collaborating with other countries that prioritize ethical aid, the president can build a coalition focused on development practices that benefit people directly rather than serving corporate interests.

7. Address Conflicts of Interest in Aid and Foreign Policy

- Restrict Private Sector Influence : The president can set policies that limit the influence of private companies and special interest groups over foreign aid decisions. This would prevent aid from being shaped by corporations or lobbyists who might profit from privatization.

- Strengthen Oversight of Aid Tied to Private Interests : By creating an oversight body to review any aid deals involving private companies, the president can ensure that aid remains focused on public benefit and not on enriching foreign corporations.

8. End Conditional Aid Based on Privatization

- Remove Privatization Conditions from Aid Programs : A president can take a clear stance that U.S. aid will not require privatization of public assets as a condition for support. This would allow countries like Ukraine to retain control over their own resources and public services.

- Encourage Aid with Sovereignty in Mind : A president can set guidelines that respect each country’s economic choices, allowing aid recipients to determine how best to use their own resources and services.

9. Introduce Legislation for Aid Reform

- Work with Congress on New Aid Policies : A president could propose legislation to reform U.S. foreign aid, ensuring it aligns with people-centered goals. This legislation could create permanent structures that focus on community investment, transparency, and accountability.

- Promote Bipartisan Support for Ethical Aid : By framing aid reform as a matter of national and global ethics, the president could rally bipartisan support, emphasizing that the U.S. should be a leader in responsible and ethical aid practices.

10. Public Messaging and Education on Ethical Aid Goals

- Engage the Public : The president could use their platform to inform the American public about how foreign aid can be reimagined to truly benefit people abroad, fostering understanding and support for people-centered policies.

- Set a Vision for Responsible Global Leadership : By advocating for ethical aid as a key element of foreign policy, the president can promote a vision of the U.S. as a true partner to other nations, building global goodwill through genuine, people-first partnerships.

Final Thought: Partnership, Not Patronage

The power of the presidency lies not just in policy but in setting a tone for U.S. foreign relations. By committing to a partnership model that respects sovereignty, prioritizes people, and promotes ethical aid, a president can lead the way to a foreign policy that Americans can support with pride. It’s about moving from an outdated model of control and privatization to a future where aid lifts people up, builds mutual respect, and allows countries like Ukraine to thrive on their own terms. This is a vision worth pursuing, and it starts with leadership that values partnership over profit.

Executive Order on the Establishment of the Task Force for Full Transparency in International Aid and Investment in Ukraine, Haiti and every other country. (We want to protect the people of the United States and when can do that without privatization but partnership)

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Purpose

The United States has a duty to uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and ethical governance in all international aid and investment activities. In recent years, significant resources have been allocated to countries in need, such as Ukraine, Haiti, and others. While these efforts are intended to support stability and development, it is essential that the American people have full visibility into how their tax dollars are spent, who is benefiting from these investments, and which entities are involved. This Executive Order establishes a task force dedicated to providing the American public with clear, comprehensive, and accessible information regarding U.S. aid and foreign investments, ensuring transparency and accountability for every dollar allocated abroad.

Section 2. Establishment of the Task Force for Full Transparency in International Aid and Investment (FTIAI Task Force)

(a) Establishment : There is hereby established the Task Force for Full Transparency in International Aid and Investment (FTIAI Task Force), hereinafter referred to as the “Task Force.” The Task Force will operate under the direct authority of the Office of the President.

(b) Membership : The Task Force shall be composed of:

- The Secretary of State, who shall serve as Co-Chair.

- The Secretary of the Treasury, who shall serve as Co-Chair.

- The Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

- The Secretary of Defense.

- The Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

- The Director of National Intelligence, with specific mandates to unclassify information as stipulated below.

- The U.S. Attorney General.

- Two members representing non-governmental organizations specializing in transparency and public accountability.

- Four citizen representatives selected from the public through an open application process.

(c) Public Participation : To promote inclusivity, the Task Force shall include public participation at every stage of the process. The Task Force shall establish public forums, engage with citizen panels, and solicit feedback to ensure that all information is accessible and relevant to the American people.

Section 3. Duties and Responsibilities

(a) Disclosure of Expenditures : The Task Force shall create and maintain a comprehensive online database disclosing every dollar allocated to foreign aid and investment in Ukraine, Haiti, and any other countries where the United States has engaged in significant financial involvement. The database shall include, but is not limited to:

- Detailed breakdowns of the funds allocated, their intended purpose, and how they were used.

- Identification of all recipients, contractors, and subcontractors, including foreign and domestic entities, that have received funding.

- Disclosure of all private entities, non-governmental organizations, and multinational corporations involved, as well as the scope of their involvement.

(b) Unclassification of Relevant Information : The Task Force, in coordination with the Director of National Intelligence and the U.S. Attorney General, shall conduct a thorough review of all classified information related to U.S. aid and investment in the specified countries. Any information not deemed a direct threat to national security must be unclassified and made available to the public. The President shall personally review all materials proposed for continued classification, with the presumption that information shall be disclosed unless clear and compelling reasons for national security dictate otherwise.

(c) Public Reports : The Task Force shall publish quarterly reports on its findings, ensuring that these reports are written in plain, accessible language. The reports shall include:

- An accounting of all expenditures, contractors, and outcomes of U.S. aid.

- Any irregularities, misuse, or discrepancies found in the use of U.S. funds.

- A summary of citizen feedback and questions, with responses from relevant agencies.

(d) Citizen Oversight and Feedback : The Task Force shall establish a public oversight portal that allows U.S. citizens to submit questions, concerns, and feedback regarding U.S. foreign aid and investments. Citizen inquiries must be addressed in a timely and transparent manner, with explanations provided for all aid-related decisions.

Section 4. Accountability Measures

(a) Audit and Review : The Task Force shall work with the Inspector General’s office of each participating agency to conduct annual audits of U.S. aid expenditures in the specified countries. Any findings of fraud, waste, or abuse shall be reported directly to the President and Congress, with recommendations for corrective action.

(b) Conflict of Interest Prevention : All Task Force members and government agencies involved in aid administration must disclose any potential conflicts of interest. Any individual or entity found to be using aid funds for self-serving interests will be subject to investigation, and penalties will be imposed in accordance with federal law.

Section 5. Protection of Classified Information and National Security

(a) Presidential Review of Classification : All information classified in relation to U.S. foreign aid in Ukraine, Haiti, and other countries shall be reviewed by the President. Any classification must be justified as a necessary protection of national security interests. The presumption is that transparency and disclosure to U.S. citizens are paramount.

(b) Responsibility to the Public : Classified information that is unnecessarily withheld from the public undermines trust in government and accountability. The President shall provide a written justification to the American people for any information that remains classified under this Order.

Section 6. Transparency in Policy and Ethics

(a) Open Forums and Press Briefings : The Task Force shall host biannual open forums and press briefings to update the public on its activities, findings, and recommendations. The Task Force shall make a reasonable effort to answer all questions from the public, media, and Congress.

(b) Ethics in U.S. Foreign Aid : All parties involved in U.S. foreign aid to Ukraine, Haiti, and other countries are expected to conduct themselves with the highest ethical standards. Misuse of funds or self-serving investments at the cost of local populations’ welfare will not be tolerated.

Section 7. General Provisions

(a) Funding and Resources : The Task Force shall be provided with the necessary resources and funding to carry out its duties effectively. All agencies involved shall support the Task Force’s work with full transparency.

(b) Legislative Recommendations : The Task Force shall, when appropriate, recommend legislative changes to Congress to strengthen transparency and accountability in U.S. foreign aid.

(c) Severability : If any provision of this Executive Order is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder shall remain in effect.

Section 8. Effective Date

This Order is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until such time as it is amended, superseded, or revoked.

The President of the United States

January 2025

This Executive Order reflects a commitment to ending opaque practices and ensuring that U.S. aid dollars serve the people, not powerful interests. Through transparency, public participation, and stringent accountability, we reaffirm that our aid policy is aligned with the values of the American people and the welfare of those we aim to help.

Who Truly Owns Ukraine?

If we genuinely aim to help, Ukrainians should have full ownership of their natural resources. Supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty means ensuring they control their own wealth.

Ukraine's mining sector is diverse, encompassing companies that extract and process a variety of minerals. Notable mining companies operating in Ukraine include:

1. Metinvest An international, vertically integrated mining and metals company, Metinvest manages the complete production chain—from extracting iron ore and coal to manufacturing semi-finished and finished steel products. The group comprises mining and metallurgical assets in Ukraine, Europe, and the U.S., complemented by a global sales network.

Metinvest Holding

2. United Mining and Chemical Company (UMCC) Established by the Ukrainian government in 2014, UMCC manages and operates the Vilnohirsk Mining and Metallurgical Plant and the Irshansk Mining and Processing Plant. It is one of the largest titanium producers globally.

UMCC Titanium

3. Ferrexpo A London-listed iron ore pellet exporter with assets in Ukraine, Ferrexpo operates mines and processing facilities in the Poltava region. The company is a significant player in the global iron ore market.

Reuters

4. UkrLithiumMining LLC (ULM) ULM focuses on lithium extraction, particularly at the Polokhivske deposit in the Kirovograd region. The company's favorable geographic location positions it as an attractive lithium supplier to the EU battery-chain players.

UkrLithium

5. ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih A subsidiary of the global steel giant ArcelorMittal, this company operates one of Ukraine's largest steel plants and associated mining operations, primarily extracting iron ore.

6. Ingulets Iron Ore Enrichment Works (InGOK) Specializing in iron ore mining and processing, InGOK is one of Ukraine's leading mining enterprises, producing high-quality iron ore concentrate.

7. Northern Iron Ore Enrichment Works (SevGOK) Another major player in Ukraine's iron ore sector, SevGOK focuses on mining and processing iron ore to produce concentrate and pellets.

These companies contribute significantly to Ukraine's economy by extracting and processing essential minerals for both domestic use and export.

Ukraine is endowed with a diverse array of natural resources, including significant reserves of coal, iron ore, manganese, natural gas, oil, and various critical minerals such as titanium, lithium, and graphite. These resources are managed by a combination of state-owned enterprises and private companies.

State-Owned Enterprises:

- United Mining and Chemical Company (UMCC): This state-owned entity oversees the Vilnohirsk Mining and Metallurgical Plant and the Irshansk Mining and Processing Plant, making it one of the largest titanium producers globally.

State Geocadastre of Ukraine

- Naftogaz: As Ukraine's national oil and gas company, Naftogaz is responsible for the extraction, transportation, and refinement of natural gas and oil within the country.

Private Companies:

- Metinvest: A leading private mining and steel company in Ukraine, Metinvest operates numerous iron ore and coal mines, contributing significantly to the country's steel production.

- Ferrexpo: This London-listed company operates iron ore mines in Ukraine, producing iron ore pellets for the global steel industry.

- ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih: A subsidiary of the global steel giant ArcelorMittal, this company operates one of Ukraine's largest steel plants and associated mining operations, primarily extracting iron ore.

Critical Minerals:

Ukraine possesses substantial reserves of critical minerals essential for various industries:

- Lithium: The country holds significant lithium reserves, with companies like UkrLithiumMining LLC focusing on lithium extraction, particularly at the Polokhivske deposit in the Kirovograd region.

State Geocadastre of Ukraine

- Graphite: Ukraine is among the world's top five countries in terms of graphite reserves, with several known deposits and active mining operations.

State Geocadastre of Ukraine

The ownership and management of these resources are subject to ongoing changes due to privatization efforts, foreign investments, and geopolitical factors. For instance, Ukraine has been auctioning state assets, including mining enterprises, to raise funds for its military budget amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The Times

Additionally, the conflict has led to the seizure of assets by Russian forces in occupied territories. Notably, the Azovstal steel mill in Mariupol was destroyed, and the Ilyich Iron and Steel Works fell under the control of allies of President Vladimir Putin, who have been stripping the mill of its metallurgical equipment and selling scrap metal to Russia.

The Wall Street Journal

These developments highlight the complex and evolving landscape of natural resource ownership in Ukraine, influenced by both internal policies and external pressures.