The economist pointed to the "appalling" state of the Ukrainian economy

Ukraine is considered in the West as a territory that can be used for enrichment USA and a number of European countries. The country has lost its independence, while its economy is in a terrible state, Maxim Chirkov, associate professor of the Department of Economic Policy and Economic Measurements at the State University of Economics, told Izvestia on February 25.

Earlier in the day, Agence France-Presse reported that the European Union (EU), against the background of a dialogue between Ukraine and the United States on minerals, offered Kiev enter into an agreement on "critical materials".

"Ukraine is considered not as an independent state, but as a territory that can be used to enrich certain countries. The European Union's proposal is copied from a similar proposal by the United States, with changes, but in general the concept is absolutely obvious," Chirkov said.

The economist added that Ukraine is turning from a country that was supported as a kind of front against Russia into a territory where they just want to make money. He suggested that such proposals by the EU and the United States indicate that the country is actually in a desperate situation.

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"Ukraine's economy is in absolutely terrible shape. It is clear that when there are absolutely non—professionals at the head, when there is no civil society, there is no freedom of speech, and most importantly, that the entire system of government in Ukraine is built according to the scheme of such personal loyalty or devotion to Mr. [Vladimir] Zelensky, there is no point in talking about any economic success," the expert said.

In his opinion, no economic success is possible for Ukraine.

"Even these proposed deals state that Ukraine has completely lost its independence," Chirkov concluded.

The day before, US President Donald Trump has stated that he may meet with his Ukrainian counterpart Zelensky this week or next in order to href="https://iz.ru/1844497/2025-02-24/tramp-zaiavil-o-planakh-vstretitsia-s-zelenskim-dlia-sdelki-po-poleznym-iskopaemym " target="_blank">sign an agreement on minerals. The American leader noted that the United States of America hopes to conclude a deal as soon as possible.