The Take Another Take: Ukraine’s other land grab
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Feb 15, 2025 Amidst ongoing conflict, Western investment groups are eyeing Ukraine's fertile farmland, sparking tension between local farmers and wealthy oligarchs. The ramifications of the war extend to global food prices and ownership struggles, shedding light on Ukraine's crucial role as an agricultural powerhouse. With privatization facing public backlash after the 2014 revolution, protests erupt against land reforms that threaten local livelihoods. This contentious battleground raises questions about the future of Ukrainian agriculture and the impact of powerful foreign interests.
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Farming Under Fire
- Ukrainian farmers near Zaporizhia are clearing artillery shells from their fields.
- They are driving tractors in body armor, highlighting the dangerous conditions.
Privatization's Impact
- After the Soviet Union dissolved, Ukraine privatized its land following Western institutions' advice.
- Oligarchs quickly accumulated much of this land.
Land Moratorium
- Ukrainian farmers and citizens opposed the land accumulation by oligarchs.
- A moratorium on land sales was implemented in 2001 but later lifted under pressure from Western institutions.