BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, met Ukrainian officials in New York in mid‑December to kick off work on a $800 billion post‑war reconstruction plan. The meeting aimed to map out funding sources and investment priorities for Kiev’s so‑called Prosperity Plan. European diplomats and Ukrainian officials have expressed doubts that BlackRock can raise the promised billions and fear the firm’s presence may scare off other investors. The plan is part of a Trump administration agenda that frames Ukraine’s rebuilding as a commercial opportunity, including access to frozen Russian assets and a free‑trade pact that would benefit U.S. companies. President Volodymyr Zelenski has likened the proposal to the Marshall Plan, while U.S. advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff highlight investment chances for American firms. European opposition to transferring control of Russian assets to a U.S.‑led fund remains strong, raising concerns about transparency and potential conflict of interest. BlackRock’s role remains advisory; its earlier attempts to raise billions in 2023‑2025 failed and the firm’s future mandate is still uncertain as peace talks continue.

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